Wed Feb 05 04:46:17 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: 8.10% Turnout by 9 AM; Prominent Leaders Cast Votes
**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – Voting is underway for the Delhi Assembly elections, with an 8.10% turnout recorded by 9 AM. Around 1.56 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise today, deciding the fate of nearly 700 candidates vying for 70 assembly seats. Polling began at 7:00 AM and will continue until 6:00 PM. The Election Commission urged voters to arrive early to avoid long queues.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims for a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are hoping to regain power. The Election Commission has deployed extensive security measures, including 220 companies of paramilitary forces, 35,626 Delhi Police personnel, and 19,000 home guards. Approximately 3,000 polling booths have been categorized as sensitive, with heightened security. Drone surveillance is also being implemented. The results are expected on February 8th.
Several prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Atishi, cast their votes early in the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate enthusiastically, especially congratulating first-time voters with the slogan “Vote pehle, fir jalpaan” (Vote first, then refreshments). Various political leaders appealed for high voter turnout.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reported long queues at polling stations since morning and expressed confidence in a high voter turnout. BJP and AAP candidates also appealed to voters to cast their ballots. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to choose those who have genuinely worked for Delhi.
The Election Commission has implemented comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful voting process. Despite heightened tensions among AAP, BJP, and Congress, the voting process is reported to be largely peaceful.
First Piper 