The Wazirpur constituency, which is considered safe for Congress, was represented by late industry minister and Congressman Deepchand Bandhu in Delhi's present Assembly. Most of the large number of slum dwellers in the area have traditionally been Congress supporters. Bandhu had won by 16,500 votes in 1998 elections.
After Bandhu's death, the constituency is now witnessing a 'keen tussle' for Congress ticket for the December 1 polls.
At least 18 'candidates', including Bandhu's eldest son Anil Tevalia, have staked claim for the ticket. Tevalia has now even started writing 'Bandhu' as his surname. However, the area's senior Congressmen in the ticket race reject him as just a 'kid' in politics. Councillor Premlata Goyal and Bandhu's personal secretary Beni Prasad are among the prominent Congress ticket seekers.
Bandhu's death has emboldened BJP as well and it feels that it can wrest the seat this time. BJYM leader Mahendra Nagpal is said to be leading the BJP ticket race in the constituency so far. Former state BJP chief Mangeram Garg is also seeking to be the BJP candidate from here.