Tue Jan 07 09:36:45 IST 2025: **Delhi Assembly Election Schedule to be Announced Today**

NEW DELHI (January 7, 2025) – The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce the schedule for the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections at 2 p.m. today. The 70-member Assembly’s term ends on February 23rd, necessitating elections before then. The polls are expected to be a three-way contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress.

AAP, aiming for a third consecutive term, faces challenges from the BJP, which is highlighting corruption allegations against AAP convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Congress hopes to regain its foothold in the national capital. The final electoral roll, published yesterday, lists 1.55 crore voters, a net increase of 1.67 lakh since the draft roll. The ECI has noted an “unprecedented” surge in new voter registrations in recent weeks and ordered a thorough scrutiny of applications.

The election campaign has already seen heated exchanges. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Kejriwal for alleged irregularities in renovating his official residence, while Kejriwal accused the BJP of lacking vision and resorting to abuse. Kejriwal recently launched a public outreach drive to counter the BJP’s accusations surrounding the excise policy case, which led to the imprisonment (and subsequent bail) of several AAP leaders.

Meanwhile, the inauguration of a new Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) section and a Delhi Metro section by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just ahead of the likely enforcement of the model code of conduct, has become a focal point of the political discourse. AAP has claimed these projects were collaborations between the central and Delhi governments. The BJP has countered by citing a CAG report questioning expenditures related to Kejriwal’s previous residence.

Further escalating the tension, AAP has alleged large-scale manipulation of the electoral roll in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, prompting a request for an inquiry. The New Delhi District Election Officer has also reported pressure from AAP leaders. Adding to the drama, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi became emotional during a press conference when addressing comments made by a BJP candidate. The BJP has also accused Kejriwal of financial irregularities based on a CAG report.

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