Delhi is set for a crucial electoral battle as over 1.56 crore voters head to the polls on Wednesday to decide the fate of 699 candidates across 70 Assembly constituencies. Voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm at 13,766 polling stations, with heightened security arrangements to ensure a smooth process.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is seeking a third consecutive term, banking on its welfare schemes and governance model. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming to end its 25-year exile from power in Delhi, while the Congress, which ruled the capital for 15 years until 2013, is hoping to stage a comeback after failing to secure a seat in the last two elections.
Security and Polling Arrangements
The Election Commission has deployed 220 companies of paramilitary forces, 35,626 Delhi Police personnel, and 19,000 home guards to maintain law and order. Nearly 3,000 polling stations have been identified as sensitive, with drone surveillance and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) stationed at key locations. Special polling booths have been arranged for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and the Election Commission has introduced a Queue Management System (QMS) app to help voters check crowd levels in real time.
High-Voltage Campaigning
The election campaign concluded on Monday at 6 pm, after an intense battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress. The AAP focused on its governance record, with Kejriwal and CM Atishi leading multiple rallies. The BJP’s campaign, spearheaded by PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP chief JP Nadda, attacked AAP over corruption and law and order concerns. The Congress, led by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, positioned itself as the alternative to both parties, highlighting governance failures.
The campaign was marked by aggressive political attacks, AI-generated spoofs, and debates on key issues like the "Sheesh Mahal" controversy, Yamuna’s water quality, and allegations of voter list tampering.
Key Promises by Parties
With voter turnout expected to play a decisive role, all eyes are now on Delhi’s electorate as they cast their votes on February 7. The results on February 8 will determine whether AAP retains its stronghold, BJP stages a comeback, or Congress surprises everyone.