Synopsis
Delhi's elections saw a turnout of 33.31% by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, as voters participated in selecting a new 70-member Assembly. The process was peaceful, though allegations of electoral misconduct arose.Key Takeaways
- 33.31% voter turnout recorded by 1 p.m.
- Polling remained mostly peaceful despite some incidents.
- Allegations of vote-buying were reported.
- Security measures included 220 paramilitary companies.
- Results to be declared on February 8.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Delhi witnessed a voter turnout of 33.31% by 1 p.m. as both young and elderly citizens flocked to the polls to elect a new 70-member Assembly on Wednesday, according to official reports. The voting process was primarily peaceful, with the participation rate increasing steadily after a chilly morning transitioned to a warm afternoon.
A polling station in Seelampur experienced a disruption when a fraudulent voter was apprehended while attempting to cast a ballot using another person's identity. This incident took place at Aryan Public School, as reported by Booth Level Officer Gayatri.
Allegations surrounding violations of the electoral code persisted throughout the day, with former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia accusing opposing parties of offering money to voters, a claim that authorities denied.
In comparison, the voter turnout for the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections was recorded at 62.82%, which was 4.65% percentage points lower than the 67.47% turnout in 2015. The turnout for 2013 was 66.02%, up by 8.42% from 2008's 57.6%.
During the 2020 elections, the AAP emerged victorious, winning 62 out of 70 seats with a vote share of 53.57%. The BJP secured 8 seats with a 38.51% vote share, while the Congress received 4.26% of the votes, and others garnered 3.66%.
In 2015, AAP claimed 67 seats, with 54.34% of the votes. The BJP won 3 seats with 32.19%, while the Congress received 9.65% of the votes, and others got 3.82%.
As of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the North East Delhi district led with 24.87% turnout, while New Delhi had the lowest at 16.46%. Shahdara followed closely with 23.30%, while South West had 21.90%, East had 20.03%, North West and South both at 19.75%, South East at 19.66%, and West at 17.67%.
The voting process began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m.. With nearly 3,000 polling booths deemed sensitive, security measures have been intensified, deploying 220 paramilitary companies, 35,626 Delhi Police personnel, and 19,000 Home Guards. Additionally, drone surveillance and Quick Reaction Teams have been established to maintain law and order.
This election will determine if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continues its dominance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) makes a comeback, or if the Congress re-establishes itself as a formidable contender. The results are set to be announced on February 8.
Campaigning concluded on Monday at 6 p.m. following an intense electoral contest. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP achieved a significant victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP claimed 8 and the Congress failed to secure any seats for the second consecutive election.
