NEW DELHI, Feb 5: The voting process has commenced for the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly elections, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims for a third consecutive term, leveraging its governance achievements and welfare initiatives. Meanwhile, the BJP and Congress are striving for a comeback.
Approximately 1.56 crore eligible voters began exercising their right to vote at 7 am on Wednesday.
Polling is taking place at 13,766 locations across all 70 Assembly constituencies to determine the fate of 699 candidates, in a contest that may shift the political dynamics of the capital.
With voter turnout expected to be critical, all attention is focused on the electorate as they head to the polls.
In the previous assembly elections of 2020, voter turnout was recorded at 62.59 percent, whereas the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw only 56 percent participation.
Voting is set to continue until 6 pm.
The Election Commission has mobilized 220 companies of paramilitary forces alongside 35,626 Delhi Police personnel and 19,000 home guards to facilitate a smooth voting process.
Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been marked as sensitive, with enhanced security measures, including drone surveillance at certain sites.
Delhi Police has deployed extra personnel to these sensitive booths, with Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) on standby to ensure law and order.
Special provisions are in place for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, with 733 polling stations designed for accessibility.
To enhance voter experience, the Election Commission has launched a Queue Management System (QMS) app, enabling voters to monitor crowd levels in real time.
Additionally, 6,980 out of 7,553 eligible voters utilizing the home voting option have already cast their votes.
This Delhi Assembly election is viewed as a referendum on AAP’s governance approach and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal.
AAP is determined to secure a third term, leaning on its governance achievements and welfare plans.
Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a concerted effort to regain control of the capital after being out of power for over 25 years.
The Congress Party, which held power in Delhi for 15 years until 2013, is aiming to reclaim its position after failing to win a single seat in the last two elections.
The campaigning period officially concluded at 6 pm on Monday, featuring a heated competition among the three primary parties.
The political discourse included fierce allegations, AI-generated spoofs, and discussions around issues such as the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy, water quality in the Yamuna, and claims of voter list manipulation.
While governance, law and order, and women’s welfare were prominent themes, the pre-election narrative was largely dominated by promises of freebies.
The election results, set to be announced on February 8, will reveal whether AAP maintains its stronghold, if BJP can end its losing streak, or if Congress can make a surprising return.
