Wed Feb 05 08:58:20 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: High Stakes Battle Underway Amidst Allegations of Irregularities

**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – Delhi is witnessing a high-stakes single-phase election for its 70 Assembly constituencies today, with over 1.56 crore electors determining the fate of 699 candidates. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), seeking a third consecutive term, faces strong challenges from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, each fielding 70 and 68 candidates respectively. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is contesting from the New Delhi constituency, facing BJP’s Parvesh Sahib Singh and Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit.

Voting began at 7 a.m. amidst a declared paid holiday for both government and private sector employees in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. While initial voter turnout was reported at 8.10% by 9:30 a.m., reaching 33.31% by 1 p.m., all eyes are on the final turnout, which significantly influenced the 2020 elections (62.59%) and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections (56%).

The day has seen allegations of voting irregularities in several areas, including Seelampur and Kasturba Nagar, with reports of individuals attempting fraudulent voting. These accusations have prompted responses from political leaders, including AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj and Manish Sisodia, who alleged voter suppression and cash distribution respectively. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the AAP’s record, questioning their claims of clean politics.

Despite the allegations, various accommodations have been made for voters. Special provisions are in place for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, with e-rickshaws provided for those above 85 and the differently-abled. Tactile photo and art experiences have also been set up at some polling booths for visually impaired voters. The NDMC gifted saplings to voters outside Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya in Lodhi Road.

Voter feedback reveals concerns about civic issues such as the condition of roads, sanitation, and water quality. Air pollution, a significant concern for many Delhi residents, received little mention in party campaigns. However, education and improved government services received positive feedback from voters.

Prominent political figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers, and various party leaders, have cast their votes. Political parties have urged their workers to remain vigilant against electoral malpractice and ensure fair voting procedures. The Election Commission has deployed extensive security forces to maintain order. A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) highlighted a significant number of candidates with criminal records. The polling will continue until 6 p.m., with the final results eagerly awaited.

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