Playing Catch 'AAP': Why Congress Has Fielded Alka Lamba Against Atishi In Delhi Polls

Last Updated:January 03, 2025, 22:43 IST

The Congress pitting her against the incumbent Delhi chief minister from Kalkaji carries a multi-layered message

Congress leader Alka Lamba and Delhi chief minister Atishi. File images

For years, Alka Lamba was a familiar face around the Congress headquarters, with a short haircut mirroring Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s. She often drew parallels between herself and Priyanka, admiring her resilience and fighting spirit. Now, fielded against Delhi chief minister Atishi from Kalkaji for the upcoming assembly polls, Alka Lamba is gearing up for another significant battle.

Lamba’s political journey has been marked by its dynamism. After leaving Congress to join the Aam Aadmi Party from 2014 to 2019, she served as MLA from Chandni Chowk. Her departure from AAP stemmed from what she perceived as a lack of respect towards her as a woman. Subsequently disqualified from the Delhi assembly for switching allegiances, her attempt to reclaim her seat on a Congress ticket proved unsuccessful. This wasn’t Lamba’s first setback; she had previously contested against Madan Lal Khurana in 2003 but faced defeat.

Despite her readiness to contest, persuading Alka Lamba to challenge Atishi was no small feat. However, always the fighter, she agreed “for the party’s sake". Pitting her against the incumbent Delhi CM from Kalkaji carries a multi-layered message. Firstly, as a woman and head of Mahila Congress, Lamba’s candidacy directly challenges AAP’s projection of a female CM as a unique selling point.

Furthermore, Lamba aims to dismantle Atishi’s “woman card" by asserting that she is merely a placeholder for AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, thereby disrespecting women.

“I don’t consider Atishi as competition, as she is just a ‘half CM’. I never said no to fighting elections at all. I will ensure she loses," Lamba told CNN-News18.

Moreover, her past association with AAP allows her to expose what she believes are hollow promises concerning women’s welfare schemes under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership.

Lamba is no stranger to controversy. Her tenure as Chandni Chowk MLA witnessed her forcibly entering and vandalising a liquor shop owned by a Bharatiya Janata Party supporter, alleging an attack on her and her companions.

Congress hopes Lamba’s spirited approach will translate into electoral gains, signalling an intent to engage in a fierce battle against AAP.

News politics Playing Catch 'AAP': Why Congress Has Fielded Alka Lamba Against Atishi In Delhi Polls