Voter Turnout in Delhi Assembly Polls Reaches 57.89%
Delhi Records 57.89% Voter Turnout in Assembly Polls
Delhi recently witnessed a 57.89% voter turnout in the assembly polls held on Wednesday. The election was marked by allegations of malpractices, including money distribution and fake voting, by both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as they battled it out to determine who would rule the national capital.
Comparing to the 2020 assembly polls where the voter turnout was 62.59%, this year’s turnout saw a slight decrease. In the previous election, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP secured 62 seats out of 70, while the BJP managed to win eight seats and the Congress failed to secure any.
Voter Enthusiasm and Exit Poll Results
Long queues of voters were observed outside polling stations across various constituencies from early morning until after the scheduled closing time at 6 pm. Exit poll results began to emerge shortly after, with many predicting a victory for the BJP over the ruling AAP, while the Congress was anticipated to face another defeat.
According to the Delhi Chief Electoral officer, by 5 pm, 57.89% of the votes had been cast out of the 1.56 crore eligible voters. The percentage is expected to increase as officials update the numbers from all 13,766 polling stations.
Peaceful Polling Atmosphere
The Election Commission of India released a statement highlighting the peaceful and festive atmosphere in which all 70 assembly constituencies of Delhi went to polls. The polling process was seamless, and voters were pleased with the facilities provided at the polling stations.
Celebrity Messages and Festive Spirit
Polling booths in the city were adorned with colors and posters of celebrities conveying special messages to voters, creating a festive ambiance. Among the notable figures featured were Lata Mangeshkar and paralympians.
Keenly Contested Election
A total of 699 candidates participated in the election, vying for power in Delhi. The outcome of this election will determine whether the AAP secures a third consecutive term in office or if the BJP gets the opportunity to form a government in the national capital after 27 years. The Congress also made significant efforts to regain its political foothold in the city.
Prominent Personalities Cast Their Votes
Several prominent personalities, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, as well as political leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal, were among the early voters.
Allegations and Response
Throughout the day, the AAP and BJP engaged in a blame game, accusing each other of voting malpractices in different constituencies. The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that the polling process was proceeding smoothly, with only minor incidents reported.
Despite the allegations, police denied instances of fake voting in certain areas. The election saw enthusiastic participation from first-time voters, elderly citizens, transgender individuals, and women, highlighting the diverse engagement in the democratic process.
Exit Poll Predictions and Party Responses
Several exit polls predicted a BJP victory, while others suggested that the AAP would retain power. AAP’s national spokesperson dismissed the exit poll results, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to form the government once again. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva asserted that the party’s victory would be more significant than indicated by the exit polls.
Appeals and Campaign Focus
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, after casting his vote, urged the people of Delhi to vote for the development of the city, emphasizing the importance of good schools and hospitals. The BJP’s campaign focused on issues such as corruption, governance failures, and law and order as they aimed to reclaim Delhi after over 25 years.
The election results will reveal the aspirations and choices of the people of Delhi as they decide the future leadership of the national capital. The political landscape is poised for a significant shift, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the governance and development of Delhi.