MCD by-polls 2025: Polling for bypolls to 12 wards concludes; result to be out on December 3 | Highlights

The polling for the MCD byelections concluded on Sunday at 5.30 pm. The polling began at 7:30 am across 580 booths within 143 polling stations.

Anjum Mandal, BJP candidate from Greater Kailash ward-173 for Delhi's MCD bypolls, says, "I have come here to boost the morale of all my workers... This is my appeal to the public to come out of their homes so that development in the Greater Kailash area under the leadership of the BJP can proceed. They are the ones who have to make us win, and they are the ones who have to stand with us; only then will we be able to make Greater Kailash ward the number one ward of Delhi."

Eeshna Gupta, AAP candidate from Greater Kailash Ward-173, said that her party's goal is to restore positive politics in the national capital.

"People remember Saurabh Bharadwaj's work, leadership, and working style... I sincerely thank our National Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, and State President, Saurabh Bharadwaj. This election has inspired many young people, especially those who view politics as a way to effect change and serve," she said.

Adeshwar Kant, Joint Secretary for the State Election Commission (SEC) in Delhi, said that the election process is going on smoothly across the national capital.

"Since morning, our election arrangements have been running very smoothly, and so has the election process. It's proceeding easily and without issues. Voters are able to cast their votes in a happy atmosphere because we have simplified the election process and provided convenient facilities," he told news agency ANI.

Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Rajesh Gupta got emotional after he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just a day before the byelection to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Gupta, a two-time MLA, said the AAP top brass is not considerate about those who "left their jobs" for the Anna Andolan. A former national spokesperson of the party, Gupta blamed Arvind Kejriwal for AAP's downfall and said the former Delhi chief minister was treating workers in a "use and throw" manner. Click here to read more.

Vinod Nagar (Ward Number: 198): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Ravinder Singh Negi won the Vinod Nagar (Ward Number 198) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Kuldeep Bhandari by 2,311 votes. Later, Negi won the Patparganj Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Awadh Ojha by 28,702 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Sarala Chaudhary, AAP's Geeta Rawat, and the Congress party's Vinay Shankar Dubey.

Greater Kailash (Ward Number: 173): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Shikha Roy won the Greater Kailash (Ward Number 173) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Ajit Kaur Pasricha by 2,674 votes. Later, Roy won the Greater Kailash Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj by 3,188 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Anjum Mandal, AAP's Eeshna Gupta, and the Congress party's Shikha Kapur.

Dakshin Puri (Ward Number: 164): Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Prem Chauhan won the Dakshin Puri (Ward Number 164) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Raj Kumar Chautala by 6,088 votes. Later, Chauhan won the Deoli Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the LJP-Ram Vilas candidate Deepak Tanwar by 36,680 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Rohini, AAP's Ram Swaroop Kanojia, and the Congress party's Vikram.

Sangam Vihar A (Ward Number: 163): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Chandan Kumar Choudhary won the Sangam Vihar A (Ward Number 163) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Neeraj Yadav by just 389 votes. Later, Choudhary won the Sangam Vihar Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Dinesh Mohaniya by just 344 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Subhrajeet Gautam, AAP's Anuj Kumar Sharma, and the Congress party's Suresh Choudhary.

The MCD bypolls for 12 wards on Sunday recorded a voter turnout of 12.63 per cent till 11.30 am, the State Election Commission said.  The voting for the bypolls began on Sunday at 7.30 am and will end at 5.30 pm. Sangam Vihar A ward recorded the highest voter turnout at 19.98 per cent followed by Mundkar, where 17.02 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise. The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Greater Kailash, where 7.16 per cent voters turned up. Shalimar Bagh B ward, held earlier by Rekha Gupta, recorded a voter turnout of 9.44 per cent. Gupta also exercised her franchise and urged citizens to participate in large numbers. The polls are expected to reveal the voters' mood in the national capital after a comprehensive victory of the BJP in the Assembly election earlier this year.

Naraina (Ward Number: 139): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Umang Bajaj won the Naraina (Ward Number 139) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Vijender Garg by 3,740 votes. Later, Bajaj won the Rajinder Nagar Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Durgesh Pathak by 1,231 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Chandrakanta Shivani, AAP's Rajan Arora, and the Congress party's Manoj Kumar.

Dichaon Kalan (Ward Number: 128): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Neelam Pahalwan won the Dichaon Kalan (Ward Number 128) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Anita by 10,477 votes. Later, Pahalwan won the Najafgarh Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Tarun Kumar by 29,009 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Rekha Rani, AAP's Neetu, and the Congress party's Rashmi Sharma.

Dwarka B (Ward Number: 120): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Kamaljeet Sehrawat won the Dwarka B (Ward Number 120) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Sudha Sinha by 6,877 votes. Later, Sehrawat won the West Delhi Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 parliamentary polls by defeating the AAP candidate Mahabal Mishra by 1,99,013 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Manisha Devi, AAP's Raj Bala, and the Congress party's Sumita Malik.

Chandni Mahal (Ward Number: 76): Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Aaley Mohammad Iqbal won the Chandni Mahal (Ward Number 76) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Congress party's Mohammad Hamid by 17,134 votes. Later, Iqbal won the Matia Mahal Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the BJP candidate Deepti Indora by 42,724 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Sunil Kumar, AAP's Mudassar Usman, and the Congress party's Kunwar Shehzad Ahmed.

Chandni Chowk (Ward Number: 74): Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Punardeep Singh Sawhney won the Chandni Chowk (Ward Number 74) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Ravinder Kumar by 1,216 votes. Later, Sawhney won the Chandni Chowk Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the BJP candidate Satish Jain by 16,572 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Suman Kumar Gupta, AAP's Harsh Sharma, and the Congress party's Ajay Kumar Jain.

Ashok Vihar (Ward Number: 65): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Poonam Sharma won the Ashok Vihar (Ward Number 65) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Reeta Khari by just 156 votes. Later, Sharma won the Wazirpur Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Rajesh Gupta by 11,425 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Veena Asija, AAP's Seema Goyal, and the Congress party's Vishakharani.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "By-elections are being held on 12 seats, and people are showering the BJP candidates with great love and support. I want to urge everyone to use their right and cast their vote. Voting percentage must be good...".

Shalimar Bagh B (Ward Number: 56): Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Rekha Gupta won the Shalimar Bagh B (Ward Number 56) in the 2022 MCD Election by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Ishupreet Kaur Gujral by 7,990 votes. Later, Gupta won the Shalimar Bagh Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Bandana Kumari by 29,595 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Anita Jain, AAP's Babita Rana, and the Congress party's Savita Kumari.

Mundka (Ward Number: 35): Gajendra Singh Drall won the Mundka (Ward Number 35) in the 2022 MCD Election as an independent candidate by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Anil by 9,348 votes. Later, Drall joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the Mundka Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Jasbir Karala by 10,550 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Jai Pal, AAP's Anil, and the Congress party's Mukesh.

Mundka (Ward Number: 35): Gajendra Singh Drall won the Mundka (Ward Number 35) in the 2022 MCD Election as an independent candidate by defeating Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Anil by 9,348 votes. Later, Drall joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the Mundka Assembly seat in the 2025 Delhi Assembly polls by defeating the AAP candidate Jasbir Karala by 10,550 votes. In the 2025 MCD bypoll, the main contest is between BJP's Jai Pal, AAP's Anil, and the Congress party's Mukesh.

In the 2022 Delhi Municipal Corporation election, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 134 seats with 42.05% of votes. The party received 30,84,957 votes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 104 seats, securing 39.09% of the vote share and receiving a total of 28,67,472 votes in the capital. 

The Aam Aadmi Party announced its 12 candidates for the Delhi MCD bypolls on November 9, targeting wards to reclaim influence after assembly poll losses. Key nominees include Ram Swaroop Kanojia from Dakshin Puri (Ward 164), Anuj Sharma from Sangam Vihar A (Ward 163), Eeshna Gupta from Greater Kailash (Ward 173), Geeta Rawat from Vinod Nagar (Ward 198), and Babita Ahlawat from Shalimar Bagh B (Ward 56).​ These selections pit AAP directly against BJP in high-stakes battles, with additional candidates like Seema Vikas Goel (Ashok Vihar), Harsh Sharma (Chandni Chowk), and Rajbala Sehrawat (Dwarka B) completing the slate approved by Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj. AAP aims to bolster its MCD presence amid BJP's dominance.

Congress has nominated 12 candidates, including five women, for the Delhi MCD bypolls, positioning itself as an alternative amid BJP-AAP rivalry. The slate features Mukesh (Mundka), Sarita Kumari (Shalimar Bagh B), Vishakha Rani (Ashok Vihar), Ajay Kumar Jain (Chandni Chowk), Kunwar Shehzad Ahmed (Chandni Mahal), Sumita Malik (Dwarka B), Rashmi Sharma (Dichaon Kalan), Manoj Tanwar (Naraina), Suresh Choudhary (Sangam Vihar A), Vikram (Dakshin Puri), Shikha Kapur (Greater Kailash), and Vinay Shankar Dubey (Vinod Nagar).​

All candidates filed nominations by November 10 under DPCC president Devender Yadav, who criticized BJP's governance and AAP's corruption to rally voters disillusioned with both. Congress eyes gains in the 12 wards, where BJP held nine and AAP three previously.

By 9:30 am, approximately 5.40 per cent of voters had cast ballots in the first two hours of Delhi's MCD by-elections across 12 wards and 580 polling stations, indicating a measured start to the high-stakes BJP-AAP-Congress contest. Polling continues uninterrupted until 5:30 pm, with expectations of higher participation later amid Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's appeals for development-focused voting. Results remain scheduled for December 3.

The BJP announced 12 candidates for Delhi MCD bypolls on November 8, prioritizing women with eight nominees despite only five seats reserved for them, showcasing grassroots leadership. Key contenders include Jaipal Singh Saral (Mundka Ward 35), Anita Jain (Shalimar Bagh B Ward 56), Veena Asija (Ashok Vihar Ward 65), Suman Kumar Gupta (Chandni Chowk Ward 74), Sunil Sharma (Chandni Mahal Ward 76), Manisha Rajpal Sehrawat (Dwarka B Ward 120), and Rekha Rani (Dichaon Kalan Ward 128).​ The remaining BJP slate features Chandrakanta Shivani (Naraina Ward 139), Rohini Raj (Dakshinpuri Ward 164), Subhrajeet Gautam (Sangam Vihar A Ward 163), Anjum Mandal (Greater Kailash Ward 173), and Sarla Chaudhary (Vinod Nagar Ward 198), selected on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's recommendations for winnability. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva emphasized merit-based choices to secure a sweep in the nine previously held wards.

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have already been distributed and securely stored in strong rooms across 10 counting centers established for the election. The vote counting is scheduled for December 3.

Special conveniences have been arranged for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, including home-voting facilities for those aged 80 and above. For voters who visit polling stations, wheelchairs and assistants will be available for those aged 85 or older and disabled individuals.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta posted on X and said, "Today's by-elections in 12 MCD wards transcend mere electoral formalities—they represent a golden opportunity to empower our shared aspirations for transparent governance, good administration, and people-centric service where development manifests not just in promises but in tangible ground realities. Every single vote cast will determine whether your ward advances with accountability, prioritizing progress that touches lives daily amid the high-stakes contests in areas like Shalimar Bagh B, Greater Kailash, and Dwarka B. I earnestly urge all of you to actively participate in this democratic festival by exercising your franchise—step out from your homes, reach the polling stations, and choose that candidate and party committed to making your area secure, capable, and development-oriented, thereby fulfilling your expectations. Your one vote will shape Delhi's bright future, constructing a 'Viksit Delhi'—vote first, refreshment later!."

Senior citizen Satish Kulshreshtha arrived early at a Delhi MCD polling station to cast his vote, underscoring its national importance during the ongoing by-elections to 12 wards. He prioritised development in his choice, viewing voting as service to the nation amid contests in high-stakes areas like Shalimar Bagh B

To ensure a smooth voting process, the Delhi State Election Commission has deployed strong security measures, including 2,320 polling personnel, 2,265 additional staff, 580 Home Guards, and 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces. Polling stations will be monitored via webcasting for real-time oversight. Voters can also provide instant feedback using QR codes displayed at the stations. The election authorities have introduced inclusive facilities such as ‘Pink Booths’ operated entirely by women and Model Polling Booths aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all voters.

A total of 51 candidates, including 26 women, are contesting the polls. The BJP has fielded the highest number of women candidates (8), followed by AAP (6) and Congress (5). The Congress is also vying to make inroads, though the primary battle is between BJP and AAP. The AAP is determined to regain ground after losing the assembly elections, but their efforts suffered a setback with senior leader and two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta switching allegiance to the BJP just before the polls.

The contest is especially intense in high-profile wards like Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B. Shalimar Bagh B was formerly represented by Rekha Gupta, now Delhi’s chief minister, who won the ward before rising to the state leadership. Dwarka B ward was represented by Kamaljeet Sehrawat, BJP’s West Delhi Lok Sabha MP.

Of the 12 wards up for the by-election, the BJP previously held nine, while AAP controlled three. The bypolls see fierce competition between the BJP and AAP, with each party seeking to increase its influence in the capital’s civic governance.

Polling progresses steadily in Delhi's 12 MCD wards, with visuals from Shalimar Bagh B polling centers capturing enthusiastic participation since 7:30 AM. This high-profile ward, previously represented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, draws significant attention as BJP defends its stronghold against AAP and Congress challengers.​ A local voter from Shalimar Bagh articulated the essence of democratic choice post-voting, insisting elected representatives must propel society forward through effective governance. She extended an appeal to fellow Delhiites to prioritize communal welfare over narrow interests in selecting MCD councillors. Such sentiments underscore the bypolls' role in shaping civic services amid BJP's current 116-councillor edge in the 250-member house.​

Polling commenced smoothly at 7:30 AM across 580 booths in 12 key Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) wards, including high-profile Shalimar Bagh B, where visuals show orderly queues of voters exercising their franchise. The by-elections, covering wards like Mundka (35), Shalimar Bagh B (56), Ashok Vihar (65), and others up to Vinod Nagar (198), continue until 5:30 PM, serving as a test of BJP's post-assembly dominance against AAP and Congress challengers.​ A Shalimar Bagh voter emphasised democratic responsibility after casting their ballot, stating it fulfills the duty to secure the country, society, and family by selecting capable representatives. This sentiment reflects broader turnout motivation in the ward previously held by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, now vacant after her elevation. With 51 candidates in fray, including strong women representation, residents prioritize governance over partisanship.

This election is being closely watched as a reflection of public sentiment following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) dominant performance in the February assembly elections, where the party wrested power from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after 27 years. 

To improve the voting experience and encourage inclusive participation, each ward will feature one Model Polling Booth as well as a ‘Pink Booth’- an all-women-managed station designed to offer a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for voters. The Delhi State Election Commission has also set up 10 strong room–cum–counting centres for storing sealed EVMs once voting is complete.

This election is being closely watched as a reflection of public sentiment following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) dominant performance in the February assembly elections, where the party wrested power from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after 27 years. 

Mock polls took place at AP Block and GBSSS in Shalimar Bagh ahead of the voting for the MCD by-polls. In Shalimar Bagh B ward, BJP has fielded Anita Jain, AAP is represented by Babita Rana, and Congress has nominated Sarita Kumar, setting the stage for a three-cornered contest.

In supporting her party’s prospects, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged BJP candidates to win all 12 wards, emphasising the party’s commitment to addressing Delhi’s long-standing civic issues. She highlighted the BJP administration’s focus on transforming each ward into a model of development, promising a cleaner, greener, and more developed Delhi.

Voting for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections in 12 wards will start at 7:30 am across 580 booths located within 143 polling stations and will continue until 5:30 pm, as announced by the Delhi State Election Commission. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to face its first major electoral test after winning the national capital's assembly elections earlier in February. Delhi will witness the MCD by-elections in total 12 wards as all the parties (AAP, BJP and Congress) gear up for the polls.