Delving into East Delhi’s socio-political fabric and caste dynamics

The East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, a bustling political arena within the national Capital, has always been a focal point during elections. With its diverse population and complex sociopolitical dynamics, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate caste equations that often shape electoral outcomes.

A closer examination of the caste demographics reveals a mosaic of identities, each with its share of influence. Among them, Muslims and Scheduled Castes (SC) emerge as significant segments, constituting 15.09 percent and 15.43 percent of the population, respectively. They have the potential to sway electoral fortunes, if mobilised effectively.

The presence of other communities, such as Sikhs, Jains, and Christians, adds further layers to the caste landscape, albeit with relatively smaller percentages. Yet, their collective impact cannot be discounted, especially in a constituency as densely populated and diverse as East Delhi.

In the 2019 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious, with cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir bagging the seat. However, the electoral landscape witnessed a significant shift in the 2024 parliamentary polls, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress entering into an alliance and deciding to unitedly tackle the ruling BJP.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made significant inroads into East Delhi, with Maheish Girri securing a victory. The BJP’s electoral surge, marked by a notable swing of +15.53 per cent, underscored its growing influence in the constituency. This victory, coupled with a declining vote share for the Congress, reflected a shifting political landscape characterised by changing voter preferences.

However, the 2014 elections also witnessed the emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a formidable contender, with Rajmohan Gandhi coming up with a performance that signalled AAP’s growing appeal.

Earlier, in 2009, Sandeep Dikshit of the Congress had retained the seat. With a commendable swing of +4.19 per cent, Dikshit reaffirmed his party’s dominance in the constituency.

BJP’s candidate from East Delhi Harsh Malhotra and AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar speak to Millennium Post on a range of issues, from their priorities to the strengths of their respective parties. All seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will go to the polls on May 25.