Voting begins for Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats, with AAP, BJP, and Congress battling for supremacy in a closely watched election.
Delhi, Feb 5 – Voting for the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 began early today, with 70 constituencies across the national capital participating in one of the most competitive polls in recent memory. As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress (INC) battle for supremacy, Delhi’s electorate faces a crucial decision that will shape the future of the city.
दिल्ली करेगी दिल से वोट… 5 फरवरी 2025 को! 🗳️💖 #DelhiVotes #Election2025#DelhiElections #DelhiElection2025@ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/dtDqkrIJPj
— CEO, Delhi Office (@CeodelhiOffice) February 5, 2025
The contest this year is expected to be especially intense, with AAP, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, defending its dominance in Delhi’s political landscape. BJP, under the leadership of Delhi unit chief, Ramesh Bidhuri, and other prominent figures, is vying for a strong comeback. Meanwhile, Congress, seeking to regain lost ground, is placing its bets on key candidates like Sandeep Dikshit, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, to make a mark in the election.
Polling will close at 6 pm, and the Election Commission has stipulated that exit polls will be shared only after 6:30 pm, making the suspense around the results even more palpable.
Key Battles in Delhi’s 2025 Assembly Elections
The elections have sparked significant attention due to the high-profile constituencies and closely matched candidates. A key focal point is the New Delhi constituency, where AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal faces a tough challenge from former BJP MP Parvesh Verma, with Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit also contesting. This is expected to be one of the most watched contests, with all eyes on Kejriwal, who has served as Delhi’s Chief Minister since 2015.
The Kalkaji seat is another key battleground, where Delhi CM Atishi from AAP takes on BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba. This contest highlights the fierce competition in Delhi’s heart, as all parties make a push to retain or expand their voter base in the capital’s diverse neighborhoods.
In Jangpura, a constituency that has traditionally leaned towards AAP, the ruling party’s choice of Manish Sisodia as the candidate has added a new dynamic. Sisodia, the former Deputy CM, will face off against BJP’s Tarvinder Singh Marwah and Congress’s Farhad Suri in a contest expected to draw attention due to its impact on AAP’s continued influence in the capital.
Party Campaign Strategies and Promises
In the lead-up to these elections, the campaigning styles of each party have been markedly different. The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, opted for a grassroots level approach rather than large rallies. This shift comes as part of the party’s commitment to connect with voters directly, with a focus on door-to-door interactions and community outreach. Kejriwal’s speeches have emphasized AAP’s successful welfare schemes, including healthcare, education, and the much-discussed ₹1,000 monthly financial aid for women under the age of 60 who do not pay taxes. He has further promised to increase this financial assistance to ₹2,100 if AAP is re-elected.
On the other hand, the BJP has relied on its national presence, including the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party’s strategy has been to focus on its support for the middle-class population, with Modi highlighting the tax relief provided in the Union Budget at his rallies. BJP has also made several promises, including enhancing Delhi’s infrastructure, tackling crime, and ensuring the security of the people.
The Congress has taken a more traditional approach to campaigning, focusing on welfare promises to attract voters. Party leaders have pledged a ₹2,500 monthly financial aid for women, as well as ₹25 lakh health insurance for every resident of Delhi. These proposals are aimed at addressing the city’s growing concerns about inflation and healthcare access.
What’s at Stake in Delhi’s 2025 Election?
This election is more than just a political contest – it’s a referendum on the performance of the AAP government, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and welfare schemes. While AAP has garnered support for its educational reforms and health initiatives, the opposition parties are banking on dissatisfaction in certain urban and rural areas to tilt the scales in their favor.
For the BJP, the Delhi Assembly elections are crucial for regaining political ground in the capital after years of AAP dominance. The BJP’s strategy of focusing on national issues, along with local promises of good governance, seeks to resonate with Delhi’s middle class.
Congress, in its quest to revive its relevance in Delhi, has focused on leveraging the legacy of Sheila Dikshit, hoping that the older generation of voters will connect with the party’s promises of social security and welfare.
The Role of Voter Engagement and Exit Polls
As of the early hours of voting, it remains clear that voter engagement is high, with more than 37 lakh people expected to cast their ballots across Delhi. The Election Commission’s decision to restrict the publication of exit polls until after the polls close adds an element of suspense to the election outcome, especially in light of the tight race in multiple constituencies.
With only a few hours left for voting, the entire city is waiting to see whether AAP can hold on to its stronghold or if BJP and Congress will break through in key constituencies.