Delhi's 2025 Assembly elections were held on February 5, 2025, witnessing significant voter engagement, with turnout hitting approximately 60.1%, slightly lower than the previous election but indicative of strong public interest. Amid intense competition between the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allegations of vote tampering and money distribution emerged, compliculating the electoral narrative.
Most exit polls, released after voting concluded, predicted a dominant performance from the BJP, hinting at the potential end of AAP's decade-long reign. Poll predictions suggested the BJP could secure between 39 to 60 seats out of 70, setting the stage for considerable shifts within Delhi's political framework. AAP officials, citing historical inaccuracies of exit polls, dismissed these projections as overly pessimistic, asserting their party's continued support among constituents.
AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta underscored their party's history of outperforming predictions, referencing previous elections where they received more votes than forecasted. “Exit polls have historically underestimated our performance. We expect to form the government again,” Gupta stated, confident of their grassroots support.
On the other hand, BJP leaders expressed their optimism, claiming to be riding the so-called 'Modi wave.' Former MP Ramesh Bidhuri asserted, “This is the Modi wave. The people of Delhi want development,” emphasizing the party's focus on governance and economic growth as appealing factors.
Pertinent to the election's backdrop was the long-standing perception of AAP's governance being challenged by serious allegations of corruption, linked to their regulatory practices. Many BJP candidates attacked Kejriwal's administration, with Union Minister Shandilya Giriraj Singh critiquing the CM's integrity directly: “Kejriwal has already lost the election,” he stated bluntly, positioning the election as one of accountability.
One significant factor influencing voter sentiment was AAP's legislative record; known for providing welfare schemes like free electricity and water but facing increased scrutiny over sanitation and pollution issues. The BJP aimed to capitalize on these perceived failings, positioning themselves as capable of delivering improved conditions for the citizens of Delhi.
Congress, once dominant, found itself again on the periphery as it hoped to reclaim influence. Observers noted, “There seems to be little chance of Congress achieving significant gains,” with several pollsters predicting them to fare poorly, potentially securing only 0 to 2 seats. The party has not held power since 2013, evidenced by the exit polls reflecting sustained support for the leading contenders, AAP and BJP.
Throughout the election day, reports of electoral malpractice arose, including claims of voter intimidation and cash distribution. Sandeep Dikshit, Congress candidate, decried these practices, asserting evidence of bribery and coercive tactics influencing voter autonomy. Consequently, high voter turnout was both slightly overshadowed by allegations and bolstered by enthusiasm for change.
Polling concluded peacefully at 6 PM, with scrutiny continuing as the District Election Office addressed numerous complaints of misconduct. Special Commissioner of Police D.C. Srivastava emphasized no substantial incidents had disrupted the voting process, countering accusations of widespread electoral interference.
The anticipation surrounding the vote count, set for February 8, 2025, heightened as the exit polls sparked fervent discussions among party supporters and analysts alike. With close races expected across many constituencies, the results could signify not only shifts within the assembly but also impacts on national politics.
Political analysts highlighted the importance of social media and grassroots campaigning. Both BJP and AAP extensively used new technologies to reach potential voters, marking these elections as particularly memorable. BJP’s widespread ground efforts reportedly focused on urban challenges, including pollution and public safety, differentials from AAP’s existing programs.
With the results looming, every party claimed readiness for various outcomes. BJP strategists asserted, “The public is well aware of the past ten years under Kejriwal's leadership. This time, the BJP is poised to form the government with solid majority,” reiterative of previous sentiment throughout the campaign.
All eyes now remain set on the upcoming results; as the countdown continues to February 8, the dynamic between AAP and BJP could completely shift, either bolstering AAP's legacy or marking the dawn of BJP's resurgence. The debates sparked by these exit polls will only amplify as Delhi’s electorate engages with the outcome, shaping the political direction of the nation's capital for the foreseeable future.