The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced Durgesh Pathak as its candidate for the Rajinder Nagar constituency in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Known for his organizational skills and contributions to the party’s early success, Durgesh Pathak is seeking re-election after winning the 2022 bypolls from the same seat.
Durgesh Pathak’s political journey began with his roots in activism. Born in Sikohara village near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, he moved to Delhi in 2010 to prepare for the Civil Services examination. His trajectory shifted in 2011 when he joined Anna Hazare’s India Against Corruption movement as a volunteer. This association brought him into close collaboration with Arvind Kejriwal, Yogendra Yadav, and Prashant Bhushan, where he played a key role in laying the foundation for the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi.
In 2013, Durgesh Pathak managed Arvind Kejriwal’s election campaign, helping secure a significant victory over then-chief minister Sheila Dikshit. By 2015, his strategic acumen earned him the position of Delhi co-convener of AAP, where he was responsible for 35 out of 70 constituencies. Under his leadership, the party won 34 of these seats. Pathak also co-managed the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections alongside Sanjay Singh, further solidifying his leadership credentials.
Durgesh Pathak made his electoral debut in the 2020 Assembly elections, contesting from Karawal Nagar. Despite AAP’s overwhelming victory in Delhi, he lost to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Mohan Singh Bisht. In 2022, following Raghav Chadha’s election to the Rajya Sabha, the Rajinder Nagar Assembly seat fell vacant. Durgesh Pathak was nominated for the bypoll and secured a decisive victory over BJP’s Rajesh Bhatia by a margin of over 11,000 votes.
His career, however, has faced controversies. In July 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) named Durgesh Pathak in the Delhi excise policy case, alleging that funds from kickbacks were directed under his instructions during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. He was granted bail by a Delhi court in September 2024, enabling him to continue his political activities.
As the youngest member of AAP’s Political Affairs Committee, Durgesh Pathak brings a mix of proven electoral strategies and challenges to his candidacy for Rajinder Nagar. His role in the upcoming elections is expected to be closely watched as he balances his record of achievements with ongoing scrutiny.
