News about Nupur Sharma is buzzing on social media. Many analysts and news media are speculating that BJP Delhi may be planning to let Nupur Sharma make a comeback with a bang! With the BJP’s second list of candidate to be declared this week, social media is ripe with rumors of her contesting as a BJP MLA candidate in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections.
Analysts think that the battleground for Nupur Sharma will be Babarpur, against none other than AAP heavyweight Gopal Rai. While the news remains unconfirmed, the mere possibility of her entry has set political circles abuzz and could significantly alter the electoral landscape in Delhi. But why does this speculation carry so much weight? Let’s delve deeper.
Nupur Sharma and The Battleground of Babarpur
BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Nupur Sharma is likely to get ticket for Delhi assembly elections.
MASTERSTROKE of BJP 🔥🔥
She is likely to contest against Gopal Rai from Babarpur. She has suffered a lot in the last 3 years.
Remember, she won the presidency of the Delhi University… pic.twitter.com/FbyjnFuTIO
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) January 9, 2025
Babarpur is a densely populated constituency in North East Delhi. It holds significant weight in the Delhi elections due to its unique demographic composition. The area is home to a diverse population, with Hindus comprising approximately 55%, Muslims making up around 41%, and other religions accounting for the remaining 4%. Historically, this mix has given an edge to AAP. However, this year AIMIM, BSP, and JD(U) are eyeing to make their presence felt in the Delhi elections. AAP walked into power last time by consolidating minority votes while making big poll promises on urban governance issues. But, their stake in the Delhi ka Takht is being challenged by the BJP and others.
Therefore, Nupur Sharma’s possibility as a candidate introduces a wildcard factor to Delhi Assembly Elections.
Sab Shantipurna Tariqe se ho raha hai!#NupurSharmaControversy pic.twitter.com/CNg0jWcuYU
— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) June 10, 2022
Her statement of Hadith was marked as a controversial statement by Islamists. Thereby, stirred nationwide riots, fatwas, and more that led to international repercussions and sparked legal cases. While this makes her a polarizing figure, it also gives her a strong appeal among a sizable section of Hindu voters in Delhi. Many Hindus feel that BJP needs to lift sanctions on her and reinstate her in the party. Since the incident in 2022, which continues to make her live under the threat of STSJ and rape, she is perceived as an unapologetic Sanatan Sherni.
Hence, her possible candidacy in Babarpur could help the BJP to consolidate the Hindu vote bank like never before.
Right after Nupur Sharma started getting death and rape threats, I had interviewed her. This is what she had said pic.twitter.com/jPVhTGV1u5
— Nupur J Sharma (@UnSubtleDesi) December 20, 2024
However, her candidacy may also unite the Muslim vote. Thus, the Vote Jiahd which largely benefited AAP, may become even more unified against her. However, it may not be AAP who will reap the benefit of this unified Ummah! Moreover, the BJP could steal the seat by Hindu vote consolidation across caste lines using her unapologetic Hindutva stance. In a constituency like Babarpur, where every percentage point matters, Nupur Sharam could tip the scales.
Delhi’s Religious Composition: Nupur Sharma a Calculated Move?
As per the 2011 census, Delhi’s overall population comprises about 81% Hindus and 12% Muslims, with others making up the rest. These figures reveal an important aspect of BJP’s strategy. While AAP traditionally leverages its popularity among urban voters and minorities, BJP’s focus taps into Hindu sentiments.
By fielding Nupur Sharma, the BJP could aim to change the election narrative, forcing a Hindu versus anti-Hindu debate.
Even if she loses, Nurpur Sharma’s candidacy would send a national message. It would showcase the BJP’s ability to stand by its leaders. And it would also highlight their non-compromising stance on issues important to Hindus. The BJP has often benefited from leaders whose profiles rise due to controversies, as these leaders galvanize its core Hindu voter base. Thus, Nupur Sharma, having already faced significant backlash and threats, might emerge as a symbol of Nari Shakti and Hindu resilience, appealing to women voters and Hindus who view her as a victim of Islamic intolerance.
BJP’s Larger Game Plan: National Impact of Nupur Sharma
Retweet if you want Nupur Sharma to be CM of Delhi.#DelhiElections2025 pic.twitter.com/AfnSSixz4X
— Zaira Nizaam 🇮🇳 (@Zaira_Nizaam) January 9, 2025
The BJP’s probable decision to field Nupur Sharma may not be just about Delhi. It’s about reclaiming the narrative. The party has long faced criticism for failing to stand firmly by its leaders during controversies. Giving Sharma a ticket could signal to its cadre that the BJP backs its leaders, even in turbulent times.
On the national stage, Sharma’s re-entry could strengthen BJP’s appeal among urban Hindus, particularly the youth, who see her as a no-nonsense leader with a track record of confronting adversaries.
Sharma’s DUSU presidency win in 2008, where she broke a six-year ABVP losing streak, is a reminder of her ability to connect with young voters. With 66% of Delhi’s population below the age of 35, her candidacy could re-energize BJP’s base, countering AAP’s dominance in the capital. Moreover, her legal battles and previous controversies may work to her advantage. They make her a fighter in the eyes of BJP supporters, someone who faced the storm and refused to back down. Her image could also resonate with voters who feel the BJP needs to be more assertive in countering narratives that challenge its core beliefs.
Babarpur’s Strategic Importance
Babarpur is no ordinary constituency. It is a stronghold for Gopal Rai and AAP. However, it also represents the challenges the BJP has faced in urban Delhi – fragmented Hindu votes, lack of a strong local face, and the inability to counter AAP’s governance narrative effectively. The Sheesh Mahal narrative may not pull reluctant Hindus to the polling booth. Hence, fielding Nupur Sharma could change this.
The Hindu population in Babarpur is not homogeneous, consisting of Brahmins, Dalits, and middle-class traders.
Nupur Sharma’s Hindu SHerni identity could appeal to across the various caste populations, while her perceived boldness might resonate with younger and middle-class voters. If BJP plays its cards right, Babarpur could become the epicenter of a larger consolidation effort, potentially influencing neighboring constituencies as well.
Beyond Babarpur: The Message to Hindu Voters
Hey @BJP4India @BJP4Delhi just a friendly reminder..
Nupur Sharma can single-handedly turn the Delhi assembly elections upside down.
They threatened her, they bullied her, they abused her. They wanted her head.
The lady deserves a chance. It's the least @BJP4India can do for…— Pulkit Tyagi (@pulkitnpc) January 8, 2025
By fielding Nupur Sharma, the BJP could send a powerful message: it rewards loyalty, it represents unabashed Hindus, and it stands by its leaders even in the face of adversity. Her candidature would not just be about winning Babarpur. Instead, it would symbolize BJP’s commitment to its ideological base and core voters.
Nupur Sharma’s entry in Delhi Elections would also force AAP and Congress to recalibrate their strategies, as they might struggle to counter the narrative of “Hindutva victim turned fighter.”
As Delhi heads toward a highly anticipated Assembly election, the speculation around Nupur Sharma’s return has already shifted the narrative. The Sheesh Mahal CAGR and the Liquor Gate scandal are not as appealing as a Hindu Sherni to voters! Whether or not she gets the ticket, the BJP has successfully created an electoral buzz that plays to its strengths. For a party that thrives on larger-than-life narratives and strong Hindu leaders, Nupur Sharma’s candidacy could become a defining moment – not just for Delhi, but for the BJP’s national strategy.
The real question is: will Delhi’s Hindu voters come out to vote for her as a bold leader ready to rewrite history?
The answer to this question may shape the future of not just Babarpur and Delhi, but Bharat’s political landscape as a whole.