The Delhi Assembly elections recorded a voter turnout of 19.95% by 11 AM on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission of India. The polling, which began at 7 AM, saw a slow start in the first two hours but gradually picked up pace. Among the districts, North-East Delhi reported the highest turnout at 24.87%, followed by Shahdara at 23.30%. The lowest turnout was recorded in the Central district at 16.46%.
Other districts reported varying participation rates, with South West Delhi at 21.90%, New Delhi at 16.80%, East Delhi at 20.03%, North Delhi at 18.63%, North West and South Delhi both at 19.75%, South East at 19.66%, and West Delhi at 17.67%. Meanwhile, in the by-elections, the Milkipur Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh recorded a 29.86% turnout, while Tamil Nadu’s Erode (East) constituency registered 26.03% voting by 11 AM.
Polling is being held for all 70 assembly seats in Delhi, along with by-elections in one constituency each in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Voters turned out amid tight security to cast their ballots in what is being seen as a crucial election for the major political parties.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, Atishi, described the elections as more than just a political contest. She called it a “Dharm Yuddha,” or a battle between good and evil, stating that the people of Delhi support development over “hooliganism.” AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence in the party’s re-election prospects, citing its efforts in improving healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure.
On the other hand, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari launched a sharp critique of AAP’s governance, stating that despite being in power for three terms, Delhi still faces numerous challenges. He claimed that voters are now eager for change. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa echoed this sentiment, declaring that Delhi is set to rid itself of AAP’s rule, calling it a historic moment for the city.
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi expressed hope for an unexpected electoral performance by his party, which has struggled to regain its foothold in the capital since its last tenure ended over a decade ago. Congress, which once dominated Delhi politics for 15 years, failed to secure a single seat in the 2015 and 2020 elections and now seeks a revival.
With 699 candidates contesting across 70 constituencies, the stakes are high for all major parties. AAP, which currently holds more than 60 seats, aims for re-election based on its governance record. The BJP is striving to return to power after nearly 27 years, while Congress is hoping for a comeback.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh’s Milkipur, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that police were checking voters’ ID cards at polling booths. However, Ayodhya Police refuted the claim, clarifying that only a booth agent’s ID was being verified, not those of general voters. The constituency, reserved for Scheduled Castes, has 3,70,829 registered voters, with the key contest between SP’s Ajit Prasad and BJP’s Chandrabhanu Paswan.
The results of the Delhi Assembly elections and the bypolls will be declared on February 8.
-ANI