Early trends from the Election Commission of India indicate that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading on two seats in the high-stakes Delhi Assembly elections.
In Vishwas Nagar, BJP candidate Om Prakash Sharma is currently ahead with a margin of 1,741 votes. Meanwhile, in Shahdara, BJP’s Sanjay Goyal is leading with a narrow margin of 506 votes.
Alongside Delhi, vote counting is also underway for by-elections in Uttar Pradesh’s Milkipur seat and Tamil Nadu’s Erode seat.
High-Stakes Battle for Delhi’s 70 Assembly Seats
The AAP is vying for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is striving to reclaim power after more than two decades. The election, held on February 5, saw a total voter turnout of 60.54%.
Congress candidate from New Delhi, Sandeep Dikshit, commented on possible post-poll alliances but remained non-committal.
“I have no idea about the alliance. It is the decision of the high command. Let the counting of the votes happen,” Dikshit told ANI.
AAP vs. BJP: Competing Narratives
Most exit polls released on Wednesday favored the BJP, but AAP leaders dismissed them, arguing that exit polls have historically underestimated their performance.
During its campaign, the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted AAP over allegations of corruption, the toxicity of the Yamuna River, and the costly renovation of Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. Modi also used the terms “Aapda” and “Sheesh Mahal” to attack Kejriwal.
On the other hand, AAP highlighted its achievements in education and public services. Kejriwal claimed that a BJP government would end free education initiatives in the capital.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also took on AAP, particularly over the alleged Delhi excise policy “scam” involving former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Key Constituencies to Watch
- New Delhi: Former CM Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) vs. Sandeep Dikshit (Congress) vs. Parvesh Verma (BJP)
- Kalkaji: Delhi CM Atishi (AAP) vs. Ramesh Bidhuri (BJP) vs. Alka Lamba (Congress)
While AAP dominated the last two elections, BJP is aiming to break the trend and stage a comeback after more than two decades. With early leads showing a tight race, the final results will determine whether AAP retains its stronghold or BJP makes a historic return to power in Delhi.