The counting of votes for the crucial Delhi Assembly elections is set to commence shortly. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is eyeing a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a determined bid to reclaim power in the National Capital after more than two decades.
Exit polls released on Wednesday indicated an advantage for the BJP over the AAP. However, AAP leaders dismissed these projections, asserting that exit polls have historically underestimated their performance. They remain confident about securing another term.
According to the P-MARQ exit poll, the BJP is expected to secure between 39-49 seats, while AAP is projected to win 21-31 seats, with Congress managing only 0-1 seat. Matrize’s exit poll suggested a close contest, predicting 35-40 seats for the BJP, 32-37 for AAP, and one seat for Congress. People’s Pulse exit poll gave the BJP 51-60 seats, AAP 10-19, and Congress none. The People’s Insight exit poll estimated 40-44 seats for the BJP, 25-29 for AAP, and 0-1 for Congress. Meanwhile, WeePreside’s poll predicted AAP winning 46-52 seats, BJP 18-23, and Congress 0-1.
The BJP’s campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted AAP over issues such as the alleged pollution in the Yamuna River and the renovation of Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Modi referred to Kejriwal’s residence as “Sheesh Mahal” and called AAP “Aapda.”
AAP, on the other hand, emphasized its achievements in the education sector during its eleven-year tenure. Kejriwal alleged that if the BJP came to power, they would “stop the free education” initiative.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also joined the fray, holding rallies and attacking both Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia over their alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy “scam.”
Security has been tightened across the city for the counting process. The election for the 70-member Delhi Assembly was held on February 5, with a voter turnout recorded at 60.54%.
DCP West Delhi Vichitra Veer spoke about security measures at the counting center near Tihar Jail. “Three-layered security is deployed outside the strong rooms. We have identified the sensitive spots and we are planning flag marches in those areas to give a message that sufficient force is available and we are committed to maintaining peace in the area… There will be some restrictions on the movement of vehicles around the areas of the counting centres…,” he said.
Key constituencies to watch include New Delhi, where AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting against Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and BJP’s Parvesh Verma. In Kalkaji, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi faces BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress candidate Alka Lamba.
The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled in the past two elections and failed to win any seats. While AAP has dominated the last two Assembly elections, the BJP is looking to break the trend and make a strong comeback in Delhi politics after a 27-year gap.
The final results will determine whether AAP secures another term, BJP reclaims power, or Congress makes a resurgence. The outcome is expected to be announced by the end of the day.