Wed Feb 05 18:18:39 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Elections: BJP Projected to Win, AAP Disputes Exit Polls

**New Delhi** – Delhi concluded its assembly elections on Wednesday with a voter turnout of 57.89%, slightly lower than the 2020 elections. Despite allegations of voting irregularities, including money distribution and fake voting, from both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the voting process largely proceeded peacefully. Long queues persisted at polling stations throughout the day.

Exit polls, released shortly after the polls closed, paint a contrasting picture. While six exit polls predict a BJP victory, ending the AAP’s nearly three-decade reign, two project an AAP win, and two suggest a close contest favoring the BJP. The Congress is projected to suffer another significant defeat.

The election saw a total of 699 candidates vying for 70 assembly seats. Prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and numerous political leaders from across the spectrum, cast their votes early in the day. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar lauded the smooth conduct of the polls.

Despite claims of a generally peaceful election process, several incidents marred the day. Allegations of attempted fraudulent voting were reported in Seelampur and Kasturba Nagar, leading to a tense exchange between the AAP and BJP. Police intervened, denying widespread irregularities, but confirming arrests related to alleged voting fraud.

Pakistani Hindu refugees, recently granted Indian citizenship, voted for the first time. The election saw high enthusiasm from first-time voters, the elderly, and the transgender community.

AAP and BJP reacted sharply to the exit polls. AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta dismissed them, asserting an AAP victory and a fourth consecutive term for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva claimed an even more resounding victory for his party than the exit polls suggested. Kejriwal himself appealed to voters to choose candidates focused on development. The BJP’s campaign centered on corruption and law and order issues. The final results will be announced soon.

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