Synopsis
On February 5, senior Congress leaders voted in the Delhi Assembly elections, emphasizing the importance of public participation in democracy while reflecting on Sheila Dikshit's impactful tenure. They urged citizens to vote for a government focused on development and welfare.Key Takeaways
- Importance of voter participation emphasized.
- Reflection on Sheila Dikshit's influential legacy.
- Calls for change in governance and infrastructure.
- Security measures in place for polling.
- Upcoming results will shape Delhi's political landscape.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Prominent Congress figures cast their votes today for the Delhi Assembly elections, urging the public to engage actively in the democratic process. Highlighting the importance of voting, they encouraged Delhi residents to express their opinions through the ballot.
As voting continues in all 70 Assembly constituencies, the leaders stressed the necessity of electing a government that focuses on development, governance, and the welfare of the citizens.
Among the early voters was senior Congress leader Pawan Khera, who voted at the Satyawati Sood Arya Girls Senior Secondary School in Nizamuddin East.
Reflecting on the legacy of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit post-voting, Khera remarked to IANS, "Delhi fondly remembers Sheila Dikshit's administration, which elevated the city internationally for 15 years. The era was marked by greenery, low pollution, and effective governance. The last decade has tarnished that legacy, and people are nostalgic for her time in office."
Congress leader Ajay Maken, after casting his ballot, also called for widespread voter participation.
"It's encouraging to see a robust polling mechanism in action, with many citizens stepping out to vote," he told IANS.
Confident about Congress' chances, he added, "People are yearning for the Congress era, where development took precedence over disputes and discussions. They have chosen Congress for genuine progress."
State Congress President Devender Yadav, who voted in Samaypur Badli with his family, labeled the elections a "grand celebration of democracy."
"Delhi seeks transformation — for cleaner air, a revitalized Yamuna, improved roads, infrastructure, and educational facilities. Citizens are coming forward to vote for this change," he stated to IANS.
Haroon Yusuf, Congress candidate from Balli Maran, expressed hope for a political change.
"The people's enthusiasm indicates their fatigue with empty promises. They now recognize the reality and are prepared for change. On February 8, a new Congress will emerge to improve the lives of Delhi residents," he expressed.
Congress candidate from Wazirpur, Ragini Nayak, also voted and expressed her discontent with the governance by AAP and BJP.
"People are distancing themselves from both AAP and BJP. They desire clean streets, parks, effective parking solutions, better job opportunities, and relief from inflation," she told IANS.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, exercised his voting rights and called upon Delhi residents to vote for the city's development.
The polling, which began early today, will continue until 6 p.m. Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been classified as sensitive, prompting heightened security measures with the deployment of 220 paramilitary companies, 35,626 Delhi Police personnel, and 19,000 Home Guards.
Drone surveillance and Quick Reaction Teams have been deployed to maintain law and order.
This election will reveal whether the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) maintains its hold, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) makes a comeback, or Congress resurfaces as a formidable contender. Results will be announced on February 8.
In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP achieved a sweeping victory with 62 out of 70 seats, while BJP secured eight seats, and Congress failed to win any seats for the second consecutive term.
