
Thu Feb 06 07:27:01 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Election Exit Polls Spark Controversy as 60% Voter Turnout Recorded
**New Delhi, February 5, 2025** – Delhi concluded its assembly elections today with a voter turnout of 60.42%, slightly lower than the 2020 elections. The highest turnout was recorded in North-East Delhi (66.25%), while South East Delhi saw the lowest (56.16%). However, the day was marked by conflicting exit poll predictions and allegations of electoral malpractice.
Multiple exit polls, including those by P-MARQ, People’s Insight, Chanakya Strategies, JVC, and Poll Dairy, predicted a BJP victory, with projections ranging from 39 to 60 seats. However, these predictions were met with skepticism from various political parties.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which won a landslide victory in the previous two elections, dismissed the exit polls, claiming they consistently underestimate their performance. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated that the party expects to form the government with a “huge majority,” echoing sentiments shared by other AAP leaders.
In contrast, BJP leaders hailed the exit polls as a sign of a “Modi wave” and predicted a comfortable majority. BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri confidently stated that the BJP would cross the 50-seat mark.
The Congress party, which held power for 15 years before AAP’s rise, also expressed doubt over the exit poll accuracy. Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit alleged that pollsters underestimated AAP’s strength, while MP Pramod Tiwari predicted a mandate against both AAP and BJP, favoring Congress. Similar sentiments were expressed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
The day also saw allegations of voter bribery and bogus voting from both AAP and BJP, prompting investigations by Delhi Police. AAP accused BJP of distributing money, while BJP accused AAP of bringing in fake voters. Delhi Police investigated the claims and reported finding no evidence to support them, though the reports of irregularities spurred several protests.
The Election Commission will declare the final results on February 8th. The close contest and divergent opinions surrounding the exit polls leave the outcome of the Delhi Assembly election uncertain, despite the optimistic statements from the parties involved.