All eyes are set on the results of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, which promise to reshape the political fabric of the national capital. Counting commenced this morning on February 8 at 8 am, with the fate of 699 candidates hinging on what exit polls have been predicting. The votes are expected to be finalized by 6 pm today, with postal ballots being counted first, followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
Historically significant, these elections see the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) neck and neck, with the BJP poised to potentially reclaim power after 27 years. AAP and Congress each fielded 70 candidates, whereas the BJP ran 68 candidates, and the remaining two seats were contested by its allies, Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party.
On the voting front, held on February 5, there was a recorded turnout of 60.42%, slightly lower than the previous elections. This turnout captures over 50.42 lakh male and 44.08 lakh female voters, indicating high engagement among the electorate.
Initial trends from the Election Commission suggest the BJP leading with about 37 seats, overshadowing AAP with 20 seats, and Congress yet to open its account. These trends indicate a stark shift, as previously, the AAP dominated the 2020 elections with 62 seats, leaving the BJP with just 8. Now, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal is trailing significantly, indicating this election may serve as a referendum on his leadership amid growing accusations of corruption and poor governance.
Notably, the election process has not been without controversy. Just before the counting began, Kejriwal raised concerns about the Election Commission's transparency by accusing it of not making public Form 17C, which details the number of votes at each polling booth across the constituency. He criticized the commission for withholding information, asserting, “This is something the Election Commission should have done to promote transparency.” AAP even launched its transparent elections website with details for each constituency.
Responding to these accusations, the Election Commission stated the claims were unfounded and assured compliance with transparency protocols outlined under Rule 49S of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. They clarified all presiding officers provided copies of Form 17C to polling agents at the booths.
Further complicate matters is the historical backdrop of this election. The last two cycles saw Congress failing to gain any traction, without making it onto the scoreboard, leading to speculation about their future role. With most exit polls indicating another potential rout for Congress, expectations are set on them bringing home at least three seats this time.
Reflecting on these dynamics, the potential resurgence of the BJP, if early trends hold, would dramatically alter Delhi's political alignment, with significant ramifications for future governance and policy direction. Especially since the BJP is predicted to hit the majority mark of 36 seats comfortably and potentially adding 10-15 extra seats.
By around noon, as various counts progress, polling trends will clarify which party holds the ascendancy, with major shifts expected within the Delhi Assembly. The counting process commenced such excitement, as both BJP and AAP carry significant stakes and aspirations on the outcome.
The 2025 election's narrative is not merely about numbers; it encapsulates the hopes and distrust among voters, the agility of party strategies, and the road to governance. With promises of transparency and accusations of malfeasance swirling around, today's results will unequivocally set the stage for the political atmosphere of Delhi.