By The Sampadak Express
Parvesh Verma, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has created political history by defeating Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the prestigious New Delhi constituency during the Delhi Assembly elections held on Saturday, February 8. In a shocking turn of events, Verma emerged as the “giant-killer,” leaving Kejriwal trailing by a margin of 4,089 votes after the 14th round of counting.
This high-profile contest in the heart of Delhi saw a dramatic upset, as Arvind Kejriwal, who has held the position of Chief Minister of Delhi since 2015, was expected to secure a smooth victory in his stronghold. However, Verma’s triumph over Kejriwal sent ripples through Delhi’s political landscape, making the BJP leader the center of attention.
Who is Parvesh Verma?
Early Life and Education
Parvesh Verma was born on November 7, 1977, into one of the most influential political families of Delhi. His father, Sahib Singh Verma, was a prominent BJP leader and a former Chief Minister of Delhi. Growing up in this politically active environment, Verma was groomed for a career in public life.
Verma attended Delhi Public School in RK Puram, one of the most renowned schools in the national capital. Later, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Kirori Mal College, affiliated with Delhi University. His academic journey continued with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Fore School of Management, a prestigious business school in Delhi.
Political Background and Family Influence
Parvesh Verma comes from a family with a deep political legacy. His father, Sahib Singh Verma, was a key figure in Delhi’s BJP politics, and his uncle, Azad Singh, was a former mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. Azad Singh also contested the Mundka Vidhan Sabha seat as the BJP candidate in the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections. The Verma family’s influence has played a crucial role in shaping Parvesh Verma’s political trajectory.
Political Career
Verma entered active politics in 2013 when he contested the Delhi Assembly elections from the Mehrauli constituency. In a significant victory, he defeated his Congress rival, Yoganand Shastri, who was also the sitting Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly at the time. This victory marked Verma’s entry into the Delhi political arena and showcased his growing influence.
In 2014, Parvesh Verma made a successful leap to national politics by contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the West Delhi constituency. His political fortunes soared as he won the seat, defeating his Congress rival, Mahabal Mishra, by a massive margin. He retained the West Delhi seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, securing a record-breaking victory margin of 578,486 votes. His 2019 triumph set a new record for the highest victory margin in the history of Delhi’s parliamentary elections, further solidifying his standing as one of the BJP’s strongest figures.
Verma has also been active in parliamentary work, serving on important committees such as the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament and the Standing Committee on Urban Development. His contributions have shaped his reputation as a diligent and effective parliamentarian.
Noteworthy Controversies
Throughout his political career, Parvesh Verma has not been without controversy. Known for his strong statements, Verma has often courted attention for making provocative remarks. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly election campaign, Verma stirred controversy by calling Arvind Kejriwal a “terrorist.” This statement led to a 24-hour ban imposed on Verma by the Election Commission of India, highlighting his controversial approach to politics.
Despite these controversies, Verma has remained a formidable figure in the BJP, known for his aggressive campaigning style and staunch loyalty to his party’s ideology.
2024 Delhi Assembly Elections: A New Chapter
Parvesh Verma’s recent victory against Arvind Kejriwal in the 2024 Delhi Assembly elections has been hailed as a political upset. The New Delhi constituency, once considered a stronghold of the AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, has now shifted towards the BJP. This result is seen as a major setback for the AAP, which has enjoyed dominance in the capital over the past several years.
For Verma, defeating Kejriwal, the sitting Chief Minister, is undoubtedly a defining moment in his political career. His victory has positioned him as one of the BJP’s most significant leaders in Delhi, potentially setting the stage for future leadership roles within the party.
While Parvesh Verma did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his political influence remains strong. With his victory in the New Delhi constituency, Verma has once again demonstrated his ability to challenge political heavyweights and emerge victorious. His political journey is far from over, and his rise within the BJP seems destined to continue.
As Delhi’s political landscape continues to evolve, Parvesh Verma’s role as a key player in shaping the future of the city’s governance is likely to grow. The defeat of Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat has sent a strong message that no political figure is beyond challenge, and it will be interesting to see how this stunning upset affects the broader political dynamics of Delhi in the years to come.
