Voting for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 began at 7 AM today, spanning across all 70 constituencies, and will continue until 6 PM. With a high-stakes battle underway, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a historic third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress aim to make a strong comeback in the national capital.
The elections are witnessing a three-cornered fight, where AAP is relying on its governance record, BJP is aggressively pushing for power after over two decades, and Congress is striving to regain its lost ground after being completely wiped out in the previous two elections.
Key Contenders and Political Strategies
AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, is riding on the success of its education reforms, free electricity, water subsidies, and improved healthcare facilities. The party’s governance model, particularly the development of Mohalla Clinics and government schools, has been a major talking point.
Kejriwal has consistently emphasized that a vote for AAP is a vote for better governance, corruption-free administration, and development. The party has also been vocal about full statehood for Delhi, a long-standing issue that has seen opposition from the central government.
The BJP, which has dominated the national political scene, is making an aggressive attempt to reclaim Delhi. The party has centered its campaign around national security, infrastructure development, and law enforcement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Home Minister Amit Shah, has conducted multiple rallies, attacking AAP on issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and deteriorating law and order. The BJP has also promised slum redevelopment, infrastructure overhaul, and improved water supply.
The Congress party, which governed Delhi for 15 years under Sheila Dikshit, is hoping for a revival. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, urged voters to participate actively, stating that “Every vote can bring the change Delhi needs.“
Congress leaders like Alka Lamba and Sandeep Dikshit have criticized both AAP and BJP for failing on crucial issues such as pollution control, unemployment, inflation, and crime rates. However, the party faces a tough challenge due to its diminished presence and internal conflicts.
Security Arrangements and Model Code of Conduct Violations
With over 1.56 crore eligible voters, authorities have set up 13,766 polling stations across the city. To ensure free and fair elections, security measures have been heightened. Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been designated as “sensitive” and are under strict surveillance.
The Delhi Police, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces), and Home Guards have been deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order. 220 companies of paramilitary forces, including 150 CAPF companies and 70 state police companies. 30,000+ police personnel on duty, 9,000 Home Guards assisting in security. Drone surveillance and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) positioned across the city. 65 border points with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh sealed to prevent illegal movement.
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Violations
The Delhi Police reported that from January 7 to February 3, a total of 1,076 MCC violations were recorded, leading to the detention of 34,250 individuals. Additionally 469 illegal firearms and 513 cartridges seized, 1,10,093 liters of illicit liquor confiscated, 1,381 arrests related to liquor smuggling, 196.6 kg of drugs worth over Rs 77.9 crore seized, 177 individuals arrested for possession of banned injections
AAP MLA and Okhla candidate Amanatullah Khan has been booked under the Model Code of Conduct violations. An FIR was filed at Jamia Nagar police station for allegedly conducting a late-night campaign event beyond the permissible time limit.
Voter Turnout Trends and Early Highlights
The initial hours of polling saw long queues at several booths, indicating a high voter turnout. Senior citizens, first-time voters, and prominent leaders have been seen casting their votes early in the day.
Congress candidate Alka Lamba cast her vote in Kalkaji, where she criticized both BJP and AAP for failing to address key civic issues. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and his wife, Sunita Dwivedi, voted in the New Delhi constituency, where early voters were gifted saplings. Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, also exercised his franchise, urging voters to choose development-oriented candidates.
As polling continues throughout the day, the focus will remain on voter turnout trends and potential last-minute controversies. The results of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 will not only determine the fate of the capital’s leadership but will also set the tone for the 2029 General Elections.
The vote counting is scheduled for February 8, and all eyes are on whether AAP will retain its stronghold, BJP will manage to stage a comeback, or Congress will surprise with a resurgence.
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