Delhi Election 2025: Live Updates and Key Developments

Delhi Assembly Election 2025 LIVE: 19.95 per cent voter turnout recorded till 11 am

The Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 have kicked off with significant buzz and high expectations. Over 1.56 crore eligible voters will choose their representatives from 13,766 polling stations across 70 constituencies. This election will be a decisive battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Congress (INC), among others.

Kejriwal Faces Allegations

Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been in the spotlight since his remarks accusing the Haryana government of “poisoning” the Yamuna water led to his arrest. Despite this, Kejriwal will contest against BJP’s Parvesh Varma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit in the Kalkaji constituency.

Security Measures in Place

To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, more than 30,000 police personnel and 220 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across Delhi. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also introduced a Queue Management System (QMS) app to help voters monitor crowd levels in real-time. Special provisions have been made for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to ensure inclusivity.

No Exit Polls During Voting Hours

The ECI has issued a directive banning the conduct, publication, or publicising of exit polls between 7 am and 6:30 pm on February 5, 2025. This move aims to prevent manipulation of voter preferences and maintain the sanctity of the election process.

Voting Turnout and Controversies

As of 11 am, 19.95 per cent voter turnout had been recorded. By the end of the day, this number increased to 33.31 per cent. However, the day has seen its share of controversies, with both AAP and BJP making allegations of improper voting practices.

Charges of Fake Voting and Money Distribution

Sanjay Singh, an AAP MP, accused the BJP of distributing money for votes and facilitating fake voting at poll booths. BJP, on the other hand, alleged that AAP was involved in fake voting in the Seelampur area. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to manage the situation and maintain order.

Key Personalities Cast Their Votes

Several prominent political figures have cast their votes, beginning with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who stressed the importance of exercising one’s democratic right. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora also visited a polling booth in South West Delhi to encourage participation.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife were among the notable voters, receiving saplings and a portrait as tokens of appreciation. Former president Ram Nath Kovind cast his vote, appealing to all citizens to perform their civic duty.

Famous Personalities Weigh In

Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Principal Secretary to PM Modi PK Mishra also cast their ballots, praising the organization of the election process. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari urged voters to choose a ‘double-engine government’ for the future of Delhi.

Congress and AAP Leaders Encourage Participation

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP candidate Dushyant Gautam both appealed to voters to come out and exercise their right to vote. Gautam criticized the current AAP government, saying it had left the heart of the country “on a ventilator.”

Valuable Quotes from Political Leaders

“The casting of one’s vote is not only exercising of one’s democratic right but also the moral responsibility of the citizens of the country. I would request the citizens to come forward and exercise their franchise,” – General Anil Chauhan

“Voting is going smoothly and voters are being received with respect and honour at polling booths. Right to vote is the biggest right in Constitution.” – Abhishek Singhvi

Election Day Challenges

Despite the transition of many families voting together, the day has not been without its challenges. Clashes between AAP and Congress workers near Zakir Hussain College required the intervention of police and paramilitary forces. Additionally, tensions rose due to allegations of police interference in AAP strongholds.

Vote Counting Set for February 8

After a day of intense voting and accusations from both sides, the counting of votes is scheduled to take place on February 8, 2025. The results of the elections will be crucial in determining who will govern Delhi for the next five years.