5 Things You Need to Know About Sandeep Dikshit, the Congress Candidate Running Against Arvind Kejriwal
Sandeep Dikshit to Contest 2025 Assembly Elections
Sandeep Dikshit, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, has announced that he will be contesting the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections from the New Delhi seat on a Congress ticket. This sets the stage for a high-profile electoral battle as he will be going up against the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, who defeated Sheila Dikshit in the same seat in both the 2013 and 2015 elections.
Background and Education
Born on August 15, 1964, to Sheila Dikshit and Vinod Dikshit in Lucknow, Sandeep Dikshit has a strong educational background. He completed his BA (Hons) in History from St Stephen’s College in 1985, followed by a Master’s degree in History. Additionally, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from the Institute for Rural Management in Gujarat.
Career and Political Journey
Before entering politics, Sandeep Dikshit founded Sanket, a social development group, where he worked on creating a sub-national Human Development Report for Madhya Pradesh. He also has extensive experience working with voluntary organizations across various states in India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
Sandeep Dikshit was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004 and won a second term in 2009. He served as the Chief Whip of the Congress Party from 2012 to 2014 and has also held the position of National Spokesperson for the party.
Controversies and Criticisms
In June 2019, Sandeep Dikshit found himself embroiled in controversy after making a controversial statement comparing the behavior of the late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, to that of a “goon on the street.” He later apologized for his remarks. Dikshit has also been a vocal critic of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Aside from his political career, Sandeep Dikshit serves as an Adjunct faculty at OP Jindal Global University in Sonepat, where he teaches courses on human development and public policy. His academic background and political experience make him a well-rounded candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections.
In conclusion, Sandeep Dikshit’s decision to contest the 2025 Assembly elections in Delhi adds an interesting dynamic to the political landscape of the city. With his background in social development, education, and politics, Dikshit brings a unique perspective to the table and will undoubtedly be a candidate to watch in the upcoming election.