New Delhi: The much-anticipated Delhi Assembly elections have begun today at 7 AM, with voters across the national capital heading to polling stations to determine the next government. In this very adversarial competition, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by the Arvind Kejriwal, seeks to gain a third successive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strives to regain the political reins after an absence of over 25 years. In the meantime, the Congress is trying to regain some of their former power in Delhi politics.
Over 1.56 Crore Voters to Decide Fate of 699 Candidates.
As there are 70 Assembly constituencies to contest, over 1.56 crore registered voters are likely to cast their votes this day. Elections take place after a campaign that is highlighted by allegations of corruption, debates on governance, questions about voter lists, and vying welfare promises.
AAP’s Strategy: Governance and Welfare Focus
AAP, which came to power in 2015 and 2020 with landslide victories, is banking on its governance record, highlighting improvements in education, healthcare, and electricity subsidies. Chief Minister Atishi and Arvind Kejriwal led the campaign, emphasizing free electricity, water, and mohalla clinics as key achievements.
This election is particularly crucial for Kejriwal, who resigned in September 2024 after securing bail in the controversial liquor policy scam. He is now aiming at a new mandate to again become the Chief Minister, and regain the people’s trust in him.
BJP’s Strategy: Anti-Corruption and Development Agenda
The BJP, facing defeat in the past two Assembly polls, has unleashed an intense campaign which has been spearheaded by the Prime ministerial incumbent Narendra Modi, Home minister Amit Shah and the party chief JP Nadda conducting ralli. The party has taken AAP to task for alleged corruption, law and order weakness and governance failures.
As part of its manifesto, the BJP has announced several key promises, including:.
- ₹21,000 financial assistance for pregnant women
- Subsidized LPG cylinders at ₹500
- Infrastructure development and women’s safety initiatives
Congress: Fighting for Relevance
Having failed to grab a single seat in 2015 and 2020, the Congress is in wishful state. While, both parties have been in disagreement in regard to some aspects of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by forming the cooperation within the coalition “, INDIA” bloc, they are contesting the election separately in this election.
The Congress has framed its campaign around social welfare programs, promising:.
- ₹8,500 monthly unemployment benefit
- Free bus rides for women
- Strengthening public healthcare facilities
Campaign Controversies and Rising Tensions
Election day drew closer and the tensions between AAP and BJP increased. The AAP charged the *BJP-governed Haryana government *with “poisoning Yamuna water”, which led to a sharp political wrangling.
AAP’s historical journey in Delhi has been eventful:
- 2013: AAP formed a minority government with Congress’ support but resigned after 49 days over the Jan Lokpal Bill.
- 2015: AAP won 67 out of 70 seats, reducing BJP to 3 seats, while Congress drew a blank.
- 2020: AAP repeated its success with 62 seats, leaving BJP at 8 and Congress at zero
Massive Security Deployment for Peaceful Voting
Ensuring smooth and fair elections, the Election Commission has implemented extensive security measures:.
- 220 companies of paramilitary forces
- 35,626 Delhi Police personnel
- 19,000 home guards
- 3,000 polling stations classified as sensitive
- Drone surveillance in high-risk areas
Counting and Results on February 8
Voting will go on until 6 PM after which electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be sealed. On February 8, “the final result” will be announced which will determine whether AAP retains the reins of powers or if BJP makes it a historice “triumph.
Against Delhi’s governance structure, development policies, and corruption charges, the electoral result will have a significant effect on the future of the political field. Just be on the lookout for the most current developments as the nation’s capital makes its way in the future.
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