The BJP’s decision to field one of its most seasoned leaders, Mohan Singh Bisht, in the Muslim-majority Mustafabad constituency appears to have paid off.

Bisht, formerly the Karawal Nagar MLA, was replaced there by Kapil Mishra but has now taken a commanding lead of over 40,000 votes after nine rounds of counting in Mustafabad.

Leading up to the elections, Mustafabad—home to a 39.5% Muslim population—drew attention when the AIMIM nominated former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councilor and 2020 Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain. Meanwhile, AAP fielded Adeel Ahmad Khan.

Mustafabad in North East Delhi was one of the worst-affected areas during the 2020 riots, which resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people.

A veteran in Delhi politics, Bisht was first elected as an MLA in 1998 from Karawal Nagar, a seat he held until 2015. He lost to Mishra, then with AAP, in 2015 but reclaimed the seat in 2020 by defeating AAP’s Durgesh Pathak.

After being replaced by Mishra, Bisht had initially criticized the BJP’s decision, calling it a “big mistake,” while internal party surveys indicated that Mustafabad voters preferred Mishra’s firebrand Hindutva and Purvanchali appeal.

Following Bisht’s discontent, the BJP’s national leadership intervened and, recognizing Mustafabad’s significant Pahadi population, named him as their candidate a day later.

“I was the MLA of Karawal Nagar from 1998 to 2008 when the Mustafabad constituency was formed. The people here have rallied behind me since the announcement… There is also strong support from the party… I am confident that Mustafabad will be the first seat the BJP wins,” Bisht stated.

Senior BJP leaders describe Bisht as an “accessible” politician, praising his efforts to address local issues, implement development projects, and advocate for the community.

However, Bisht was embroiled in controversy in 2020 when a woman accused him of leading a mob during the riots and setting her shop on fire. No charges were filed against him.