Delhi is gearing up for its Assembly elections scheduled on February 5, 2025, with results to be declared on February 8. With preparations underway, the city has declared this significant day as a public holiday to facilitate voting for all citizens, ensuring they can participate in the electoral process without hindrance.
V K Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, announced, "There will be a public holiday on February 5 for all government offices, local and autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, in view of the General Election to the Delhi Legislative Assembly." This action aligns with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates businesses and establishments to provide paid leave on polling day to enable employees to exercise their voting rights.
On this day, several establishments will remain closed to promote maximum voter participation. Government offices and banks will shut down, as outlined by the provisions from the Negotiable Instruments Act and the Representation of the People Act. Schools, colleges, and various educational institutions will also close, some of which are designated polling stations. Cinemas and theaters may suspend operations during polling hours to encourage voters to head to the booths.
While many places will shut their doors, key services will remain operational on election day. Essential services such as transport will function: Delhi Metro services will start operating at 4:00 AM, running every 30 minutes until 6:00 AM when regular services will resume. Additional DTC bus services will also be available on 35 routes to accommodate voters. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, will operate as usual, ensuring public safety is maintained.
Around 1.56 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 13,766 polling stations throughout the national capital. This includes approximately 83.76 lakh men and 72.36 lakh women, as well as 1,267 members of the third gender. Utilizing this electoral opportunity, the Election Commission aims to facilitate significant turnout this year, carrying on from previous elections where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) remained dominant.
The voting process is set against the backdrop of vibrant political contention among three major parties—the AAP, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. The AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, who had led the party to victory in both the 2015 and 2020 elections, highlights the significance of the upcoming election, being their chance to secure what could be termed as their hat-trick. On the other hand, the BJP, which has not been victorious for 27 years, is determined to reclaim power, fueled by extensive campaigning before election day.
Results from previous years shed light on the current political atmosphere. During the 2015 elections, the AAP swept 67 seats out of 70, and they held onto 62 of 70 seats during the last election. The BJP was only able to claim eight seats, and Congress found itself shut out entirely.
Campaign activities have reached their peak just days leading up to the election. Notable candidates include Arvind Kejriwal contesting from the New Delhi constituency, as well as Parvesh Verma from the BJP and Sandeep Dixit from Congress. Their distinct political profiles and party affiliations create interesting dynamics as they vie for the same position.
Ensuring fair conduct of the election is of utmost priority for the Election Commission, which has mobilized over 1.8 lakh officials, including 220 companies of paramilitary forces and numerous local law enforcement personnel. These efforts are to guarantee free and fair elections amid the usual scrutiny and rampant allegations surrounding the electoral process.
On social media, Kejriwal was quoted saying, "The Election Commission probably does not wake up at all," showcasing the frustrations within political circles about perceived Election Commission inefficiencies. Nevertheless, the Commission recently emphasized its commitment to addressing any irregularities effectively, stating, "They are working tirelessly round the clock, Despite general baseless allegations of inaction." This statement reflects their dedication to ensuring any ethical concerns raised throughout the electoral proceedings are duly addressed.
Overall, as Delhi approaches its assembly elections, citizens are being reminded of the importance of their role within the democratic framework. With substantial arrangements made to facilitate voter participation, whether it is through paid leave or the opening of polling stations, the emphasis remains on the citizens of Delhi to turn out and express their voices on February 5, 2025. The electoral outcome promises to shape not just the leadership of the city but also its political future, making it imperative for every eligible voter to take part.