Voting is in full swing for the crucial Delhi Assembly elections, with over 1.56 crore voters set to decide the fate of 699 candidates across 70 constituencies. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m., and turnout trends are being closely monitored, as all parties seek an edge in the battle for the capital.
Early Voting Sees High-Profile Leaders Cast Their Ballots
By mid-morning, several prominent leaders had already cast their votes, setting the tone for what is expected to be an intense electoral contest. Among the early voters were President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. Other notable figures, including Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, also turned up at the polling booths.
For voters, the presence of high-profile politicians at polling stations serves as both an encouragement and a reminder of the weight their ballots carry in shaping Delhi’s future.
AAP Seeks a Third Term Amid BJP-Congress Challenge
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Atishi, is aiming for a third consecutive term, banking on its record in governance, particularly in education and healthcare. The party is contesting all 70 seats, while its main rivals, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, are also vying for power.
- The BJP has fielded 68 candidates, allotting two seats to allies JD(U) and LJP.
- Congress, in a bid to reclaim lost ground, has also put forward candidates in all 70 constituencies.
- One of the most-watched battles is in the New Delhi constituency, where former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s protégé Atishi is up against BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit.
With the capital’s electorate historically known for split voting patterns between Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, today’s turnout could be a crucial indicator of whether AAP’s governance appeal still holds strong.
Voter Turnout Trends: Will Delhi Beat Past Records?
Voter turnout has been a significant factor in past elections. In the 2020 Assembly polls, 62.59% of eligible voters participated. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a dip, with only 56% turnout recorded in Delhi.
So far, early figures indicate an 8.10% turnout by 9:30 a.m. If this trend continues, it remains to be seen whether overall participation surpasses previous years or dips further, impacting the final outcome.
Paid Holiday Declared; Security Tightened at Polling Booths
To facilitate voting, the Delhi government declared a paid holiday for all employees across public and private sectors. Neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, followed suit, allowing Delhi-based workers to participate in the electoral process.
Security has also been ramped up at polling booths, with additional personnel deployed across sensitive constituencies. Authorities are keeping a close watch on any disturbances that could impact the voting process.
| Key Details | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Voters | 1.56 crore |
| Polling Booths | 13,766 |
| Contesting Candidates | 699 |
| Constituencies | 70 |
| Early Voter Turnout (9:30 a.m.) | 8.10% |
With voting continuing until 6 p.m., political parties will be hoping for strong participation, as higher turnout often signals anti-incumbency waves or voter enthusiasm for change. The final results will ultimately reveal whether Delhi remains in AAP’s hands or if a political shake-up is on the horizon.
