KKN Gurugram Desk | The much-anticipated Delhi Assembly Election 2025 is underway, with voters across the capital heading to the polling booths to elect representatives for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. The elections began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, covering 13,766 polling stations across the city. The three primary contenders in this high-stakes political battle are the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Congress (INC).
With over 30,000 police personnel and 220 companies of paramilitary forces deployed, authorities are ensuring free and fair elections while maintaining strict security protocols.
Delhi Election 2025: Voter Turnout Trends & Latest Updates
As of 11 AM, the voter turnout stood at 19.95%, indicating moderate participation in the early hours. Experts predict a higher turnout by evening, as more voters step out after office hours.
Key Highlights of the Delhi Elections So Far:
- PM Narendra Modi’s Call to Voters: In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Delhi’s youth to participate in the “festival of democracy” and cast their votes.
- Delhi Mayor Mahesh Kumar Khichi Appeals for Higher Turnout: The Delhi Mayor emphasized the need for voting, saying, “I appeal to Delhiites to vote for a better future, quality education, and free electricity.”
- Former President Ram Nath Kovind Votes & Urges Participation: Ex-President Ram Nath Kovind cast his vote alongside his family and called voting a constitutional right and moral duty.
Major Political Developments & Controversies
AAP vs BJP: Allegations of Election Malpractices
- Sanjay Singh Accuses BJP of Voter Influence: AAP MP Sanjay Singh posted a video on social media alleging that BJP workers were distributing money at a polling booth near Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj Blames Police Interference: The AAP candidate from Greater Kailash, Saurabh Bharadwaj, accused the Delhi Police of attempting to manipulate elections. He claimed that unnecessary barricades were placed to discourage voting in certain areas.
- DCP South Delhi Orders Probe into Election Interference Allegations: In response to the complaints from AAP leaders, DCP South Delhi Ankit Chauhan has assured a fair investigation into allegations of police interference in AAP strongholds.
BJP’s Strong Criticism of AAP Government
- BJP Candidate Dushyant Gautam Criticizes AAP’s Tenure: BJP’s Karol Bagh candidate said, “Delhi—the heart of the country—is on a ventilator under the AAP government. People want change.”
- Manoj Tiwari Alleges Corruption in AAP: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari accused AAP of looting Delhi, urging voters to reject the ruling party and vote for change.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah Calls for Voters to Reject “False Promises”: In a social media post, Amit Shah urged people to vote against pollution, broken roads, and liquor shops, blaming the AAP government for failing Delhi.
High-Profile Voters in Action
Several prominent political figures have already cast their votes in the Delhi Assembly Election 2025:
- Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal & Family: The AAP chief cast his vote along with his parents and wife, Sunita Kejriwal.
- Congress Leaders Sonia Gandhi & Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: The Gandhi family voted at Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate, marking a show of unity within the Congress party.
- BJP National President JP Nadda & Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva: Both leaders voted and later addressed party workers at the Delhi BJP office.
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar & Wife: VP Dhankhar and his wife were gifted saplings after casting their votes.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna & Former CJI DY Chandrachud: Both judicial leaders emphasized the importance of voter participation in democracy.
- Kapil Sibal Urges Delhiites to Vote: The Rajya Sabha MP said, “If you can’t vote, you can’t complain. Every citizen must participate in democracy.”
Voter Turnout by Districts
By 11 AM, voter participation varied significantly across Delhi’s 11 districts:
- Highest Turnout: North East Delhi – 24.87%
- Lowest Turnout: Central Delhi – 16.46%
Political analysts predict a sharp rise in turnout in the afternoon and evening hours as office-goers and families head to polling booths.
Election Security & Voting Arrangements
To ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed:
✔ Over 30,000 police personnel for election security
✔ 220 companies of paramilitary forces across sensitive polling booths
✔ Strict monitoring of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) & VVPATs
✔ Webcasting at more than 60% of polling booths
Additionally, authorities have deployed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to handle any law-and-order issues.
Delhi Elections 2025: Key Issues Shaping the Battle
The Delhi Assembly Election 2025 is centered around critical governance issues, with each party focusing on its strengths:
AAP’s Election Pitch:
- Free Electricity & Water: AAP highlights subsidized utilities as its biggest achievement.
- Education & Healthcare Reforms: The party emphasizes improved government schools & Mohalla Clinics.
- Governance Model: Arvind Kejriwal calls the election a “Dharmyuddh” (battle of righteousness), asking voters to reject BJP’s “hooliganism.”
BJP’s Election Focus:
- “Double-Engine Government”: BJP claims a central-state partnership would accelerate Delhi’s development.
- Pollution Control: Blames AAP for Delhi’s worsening air quality and the Yamuna river pollution crisis.
- Infrastructure & Law and Order: Vows to improve roads, metro expansion, and policing in crime-prone areas.
Congress’s Comeback Strategy:
- Restoring “Sheila Dikshit’s Delhi”: Congress claims people miss the development of Sheila Dikshit’s 15-year tenure.
- Blaming Both AAP & BJP: The party accuses AAP of corruption and BJP of failing at the national level.
What’s Next? When to Expect Results?
✔ Polling Ends at 6 PM: No voter will be allowed entry after closing time.
✔ Exit Polls Expected by 7 PM: Major news agencies will release predictions based on voter trends.
✔ Counting of Votes on February 7: The official results will be declared by the Election Commission of India.
The Delhi Assembly Election 2025 is a fierce contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress, with all parties making last-minute efforts to sway voters. The final outcome will not just shape Delhi’s governance for the next five years but will also serve as a political indicator for the 2026 Lok Sabha elections.
