Voting has started for the Delhi Assembly elections today. More than 1.56 crore people will decide the future of candidates contesting for 70 Assembly seats. All polling stations have been set up, and voting will continue until 6 p.m.

The Delhi government has declared a paid holiday for employees in both private and government offices so that everyone gets a chance to vote. The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also announced a holiday because many voters from these states work in Delhi.

Major political parties and candidates

There are 699 candidates competing in this election. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have fielded 70 candidates each, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given tickets to 68 candidates. Two seats have been given to BJP’s allies—JD(U) and LJP.

One of the most talked-about battles is in the New Delhi constituency, where AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting. BJP has fielded Parvesh Sahib Singh, and Congress has chosen Sandeep Dikshit, both sons of former Delhi Chief Ministers.

Early voters include top leaders

Many important leaders cast their votes early in the morning. Some of them include:

  • President Droupadi Murmu
  • Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar
  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
  • Delhi Chief Minister Atishi
  • Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia
  • Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva
  • Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora
  • Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar
  • Delhi Chief Electoral Officer R Alice Vaz

Several candidates also voted early, including AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj (Greater Kailash), BJP’s Kapil Mishra (Karawal Nagar), Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit (New Delhi), and Alka Lamba (Kalkaji).

Voter participation is expected to play an important role in deciding the results. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, 62.59% of voters cast their votes. However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, only 56% of voters turned up. This time, political parties are urging people to come out and vote in large numbers.

AAP is hoping for a third consecutive term in power, relying on its record of governance and welfare schemes. Meanwhile, BJP and Congress are trying to regain their influence in Delhi.

The election results will decide the future of Delhi’s leadership. Counting of votes will take place after polling concludes, and the final results will be announced soon.