NEW DELHI: Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a prominent Sikh leader and former Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly who earlier held key positions in Delhi Sikh Gurduwara Committee (DSGMC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is now set to make his electoral debut under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) banner in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
BJP on Saturday officially announced Sirsa as its candidate from the Rajouri Garden constituency, a seat he previously represented as SAD MLA.
Sirsaโs journey has been marked by significant affiliations and transitions. He initially gained prominence as a member of the SAD, representing the Rajouri Garden constituency in the Delhi Assembly.
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In December 2021, Sirsa resigned from the SAD and joined the BJP, a move that was seen as a strategic alignment ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.
Since then, he was frequently seen with PM Modi when he hosted Sikh diaspora and prominent Sikh leaders at his house and also at the Red Fort function to make an address on Guru Tegh Bahadurโs anniversary.
Throughout his political career, Sirsa has been recognized as one of the wealthiest politicians in Delhi. In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, he declared assets worth approximately โน239 crore, making him the richest candidate at that time.
His financial disclosures have consistently highlighted significant assets, reflecting his substantial business interests and investments.
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Sirsaโs electoral record includes both victories and defeats. He secured a win in the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections from Rajouri Garden but faced a setback in the 2015 elections, losing the seat. In a subsequent by-election in 2017, he reclaimed the Rajouri Garden seat, this time contesting as a candidate of the SAD-BJP alliance.
The Rajouri Garden constituency holds strategic importance for the BJP, given its diverse voter base and the presence of a significant Sikh community. By fielding Sirsa, the BJP aims to consolidate votes from the Sikh electorate and strengthen its foothold in West Delhi. Sirsaโs deep-rooted connections within the community and his leadership roles, including his tenure as the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, are expected to bolster his appeal among voters.
Manjinder Singh Sirsaโs candidacy under the BJP banner marks a significant development in Delhiโs political landscape. His wealth, political experience, and community influence position him as a formidable contender in the Rajouri Garden constituency. As the elections approach, all eyes will be on Sirsaโs campaign and the electoral response from the diverse voter base of Rajouri Garden.