NEW DELHI: As the clock ticks down to the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the New Indian team sizes up mood at the historic Chandni Chowk constituency, famed for its vibrant markets, rich Mughal heritage, and bustling street life, that has also become a microcosm of the city’s political pulse.
The AAP, which has dominated the area under the leadership of a Sikh MLA Parlad Singh Sawhney for two successive terms, has now fieded his son, Punardeep Singh Sawhney, as the candidate.
He faces stiff competition from Satish Jain of the BJP and Mudit Agarwal of Congress. As voting day approaches, the community is divided on the future direction of the constituency.
Local Sentiments: Parlad Singh Sawhney’s Legacy and Punardeep’s Challenges
Residents like Shehbaaz Ali, a local shopkeeper, are strong supporters of the incumbent AAP leadership. Ali lauds the work done by Parlad Singh Sawhney, calling him a “responsive and accessible leader.”
He adds, “Whenever we need him, he’s there in the evening to listen to our concerns. He’s done good work for us, and I believe AAP will win again with an 80% chance.”
However, not everyone shares the same optimism for the younger Sawhney
Mohammad Nabil Ansari, a local from the Jama Masjid area, is skeptical about Punardeep’s ability to live up to his father’s legacy. “His father did good work, but Punardeep is not the same. He hasn’t impressed us as a councillor, and I’m not confident he can bring change,” Ansari shares, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Women’s Voices: AAP’s Social Schemes Win Trust
Women of Chandni Chowk, cite the AAP’s social welfare initiatives as life-changing.
Mangla Devi Sharma, a bangle seller who has worked in the area for six years, says, “Kejriwal delivered on his promises. Free electricity, water, and bus rides for women have made life easier for poor people like me. My children are well-fed, and I have no complaints.”
Yet, Sharma is cautious about the new promises AAP has made for the upcoming elections. “I can’t say if they will fulfill everything they’re promising now, but Kejriwal has delivered in the past. That’s why I trust him,” she adds.
Her disappointment is particularly aimed at the BJP and Congress. “BJP is only for the rich. They’ve made empty promises, like saying they’d deposit ₹2-3 lakh in every zero-balance account, but nothing happened. Congress isn’t any better. They don’t have my vote,” Sharma states.
Congress supporters among Muslims call AAP’s candidate a mafia
A local Muslim voter, Aabid, in Chandni Chowk expressed support for Congress representative Mudit Agarwal while voicing disappointment with the current MLA, Parlad Sawhney, and his son, Punardeep Sawhney, labeling them as “Builder Mafia.” Aabid alleged that they focus only on buying specific buildings and developing those areas, neglecting the broader constituency.
Frustrations with BJP; minorities don’t curry favour with BJP
Dimaag Singh Thakral, a long-time resident of Chandni Chowk, is another voice critical of the current political landscape. Thakral, who has lived in the area for over 20 years, shares his disillusionment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
“Modi ji wears a ₹15 lakh suit and calls himself a fakir. A fakir doesn’t flaunt wealth. We’ve seen no benefit for the common man under this government,” Thakral argues, his frustration palpable.
He also criticizes the cleanliness and redevelopment efforts in the area, pointing to the lack of progress despite promises from the BJP-led central government.
“The roads are broken, and the funds from the Centre aren’t reaching the state. The file approvals get stuck, and nothing gets done,” he complains.
Despite some concerns, there’s a palpable sense of optimism about AAP’s track record in the constituency. Mohammad Afessudin, a local shopkeeper, expresses a sentiment shared by many. “No party has done as much for the poor as AAP.
Free water, electricity, and bus rides have made life bearable for us. Chandni Chowk is a poor man’s area, and while the cleanliness and redevelopment work are still incomplete, we can see the progress. I think AAP deserves another chance.”
