Wed Feb 05 08:06:21 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: High Stakes Battle Underway

**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – Delhiites went to the polls today in a high-stakes Assembly election, with over 1.56 crore electors deciding the fate of 699 candidates. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), seeking a third consecutive term, faces a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, both hoping for a resurgence.

Voting began at 7 a.m. across all 70 constituencies, with a total of 13,766 polling stations set up at 2,696 locations. A paid holiday was declared for both government and private sector employees in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Early voter turnout was reported at 8.10% by 9:30 a.m., with Mustafabad constituency recording the highest turnout (12.43%) and Chandni Chowk the lowest (4.53%). The Election Commission deployed extensive security measures, including 220 companies of paramilitary forces and over 50,000 police and home guard personnel, to ensure a smooth and peaceful election. Special arrangements were made for senior citizens and people with disabilities, including e-rickshaws for the elderly and differently-abled. Many polling stations also implemented innovative measures such as tactile photo experiences for the visually impaired and sapling giveaways for voters.

Key constituencies and candidates are under intense scrutiny, including the New Delhi constituency where AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is defending his seat against BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit.

Voter concerns varied across constituencies, with some highlighting improvements in government schools and Mohalla Clinics, while others expressed concerns about poor road conditions, inadequate drainage, air pollution, and the threat of slum evictions. The Yamuna river pollution also featured prominently in the election campaigns, while air pollution – a major concern in Delhi – received comparatively less attention.

Political parties have urged their workers to remain vigilant against electoral malpractice and monitor the voting process closely. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal even met with Election Commission officials to raise concerns about alleged BJP attempts to manipulate the electoral process. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released a report highlighting that a significant number of candidates with criminal records lacked transparency in disclosing their records.

Polling concluded at 6 p.m., and the final voter turnout is awaited with bated breath, as it is expected to significantly influence the election results. The counting of votes will determine which party will lead Delhi for the next term.

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