As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), voter turnout in the single-phase Delhi Assembly elections stood at 33.31% as of 1 PM on Wednesday. Among all districts in the national capital, North-East Delhi registered the highest turnout at 39.51%, while the Central district recorded the lowest participation, with 29.74%.
The voter turnout in other districts was as follows:
- South West Delhi: 35.44%
- New Delhi: 29.89%
- East Delhi: 33.66%
- North Delhi: 32.44%
- North West Delhi: 33.17%
- Shahdara: 35.81%
- South Delhi: 32.67%
- South East Delhi: 32.27%
- West Delhi: 30.87%
Turnout in Bypolls for Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh
Meanwhile, in the Milkipur assembly constituency (Uttar Pradesh), voter turnout reached 44.59% during the ongoing by-elections. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu’s Erode (East) assembly constituency, the turnout was 42.41% by 11 AM.
Polling Begins Under Tight Security
Polling for all 70 Delhi Assembly seats, along with the by-elections for two constituencies—one in Tamil Nadu and one in Uttar Pradesh—began at 7 AM on Wednesday. The voting process is being conducted under tight security to ensure a smooth election.
AAP Alleges Police Interference in Voting Process
During polling, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the Delhi Police of preventing voters from casting their ballots at a polling station in Chirag Delhi. Speaking to the media, he alleged that police officers were deliberately setting up barricades and trying to manipulate the election process in as many as 17-18 booths in Chirag Delhi.
Responding to these allegations, South Delhi DCP Ankit Chauhan assured that the concerns raised by AAP would be investigated.
Sanjay Singh Claims Party Worker’s Detention Without Reason
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh also alleged police misconduct, stating that a newly joined AAP worker, Uday Gill, was detained without any valid reason.
Sharing the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Singh wrote, “One of our workers, Uday, has been detained at the Mandir Marg police station without any reason. I am present at the police station.”
However, DCP New Delhi, responding on X, refuted Singh’s claim and stated, “He is detained as he was physically forcing people to come on a particular political party’s table along with his accomplice.”
A Crucial Election for AAP, BJP, and Congress
This election is a high-stakes battle for AAP, BJP, and Congress:
- AAP aims to retain power and secure another term, emphasizing its past achievements.
- BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for nearly 27 years, is looking for a strong comeback.
- Congress, which governed Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in recent elections, failing to win a single seat in both 2015 and 2020. This time, the party hopes to regain its presence.
Currently, AAP holds more than 60 of the 70 seats in the assembly, making this election a crucial test of its governance and popularity.
The counting of votes for Delhi Assembly elections and the bypolls is scheduled to take place on February 8. The results will determine the future of AAP, BJP, and Congress in the national capital and the winners of the by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.