The counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections began on Saturday under strict security arrangements. Alongside Delhi, counting is also underway for by-elections in Uttar Pradesh’s Milkipur seat and Tamil Nadu’s Erode seat.
The process started with the counting of postal ballots, followed by the opening of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 AM. Security has been heightened across counting centers to ensure a smooth and fair process.
Polling for the 70-member Delhi Assembly took place on February 5, with a voter turnout of 60.54%. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a determined effort to reclaim power after more than two decades.
Congress candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Sandeep Dikshit, distanced himself from discussions on a post-poll alliance with AAP.
“I have no idea about the alliance. It is the decision of the high command. Let the counting of the votes happen,” he told media.
Most exit polls released on Wednesday predicted an edge for the BJP over AAP. However, AAP leaders dismissed the projections, citing historical underestimation of their party’s performance in past elections. They remain confident of returning to power.
The BJP’s campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted the AAP government over issues such as the alleged pollution in the Yamuna River and the expensive renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. The PM referred to Kejriwal’s tenure using the terms “Aapda” and “Sheesh Mahal.”
Meanwhile, AAP focused on its governance record, particularly improvements in Delhi’s education sector over its 11-year rule. Kejriwal warned that a BJP-led government would put an end to free education initiatives.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also took aim at AAP, attacking Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia over their alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy “scam.”
Key constituencies to watch include New Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal is up against Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and BJP’s Parvesh Verma. In another crucial seat, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is contesting against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress candidate Alka Lamba.
The Congress, once dominant in Delhi with 15 consecutive years in power, has struggled in recent elections, failing to secure a single seat in the last two polls. While AAP has been the dominant force in the last two elections, the BJP is hoping to break the trend and reclaim Delhi after a gap of more than two decades.