As the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections commenced on Saturday, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal criticized Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that the people of Delhi would take “revenge” on him through their votes.
Expressing confidence in his party’s victory, Khandelwal asserted that Kejriwal would blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission after facing defeat. Speaking to media, Khandelwal stated, “The public of Delhi will take revenge on Arvind Kejriwal. It is our promise to the people of Delhi that we will write a new history in Delhi… They have been the machine of lies. After losing the elections, Arvind Kejriwal will level accusations on EVMs and the Election Commission.”
Meanwhile, BJP candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Parvesh Verma, described the day as crucial for Delhi and expressed hope for the formation of a BJP government. “It’s an important day for the people of Delhi. I prayed that the BJP govt to be formed in Delhi…” Verma told reporters. He is contesting against AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit. Verma also visited the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place to offer prayers ahead of the results.
The vote counting is taking place under tight security, with extensive arrangements in place. The polling for the 70-member Delhi Assembly was conducted on February 5, registering a voter turnout of 60.54%. While AAP is eyeing a third consecutive term, the BJP is making a determined bid to regain power after more than two decades.
Exit polls released on Wednesday predicted an advantage for the BJP over AAP, though AAP leaders dismissed the forecasts, claiming past exit polls had underestimated their performance. They remain confident about forming the government again.
The BJP’s campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on issues such as pollution in the Yamuna River and the alleged extravagance in the renovation of Kejriwal’s official residence. Modi also used terms like “Aapda” and “Sheesh Mahal” to criticize Kejriwal.
On the other hand, AAP highlighted its governance record, particularly in education and healthcare, during its 11-year tenure. Kejriwal alleged that a BJP government would put an end to free education initiatives if it came to power.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also campaigned aggressively, targeting Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia over alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy “scam” case.
Key battleground constituencies include New Delhi, where Kejriwal faces competition from BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Atishi is contesting against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba. The campaign witnessed intense exchanges between the three main parties.
Having ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, Congress has suffered severe losses in the last two Assembly elections and failed to secure any seat. AAP has dominated the last two elections, but BJP is determined to break this streak and reclaim power in the National Capital after more than 20 years.