
According to BJP leaders, multiple instances were reported where women in burqas allegedly cast votes fraudulently at polling booths. Party workers claimed that the election process was being manipulated and demanded strict action from the Election Commission. Meanwhile, polling officials have assured that necessary verification measures are in place to prevent any irregularities. Authorities are yet to respond to the allegations.
Over 33 per cent turnout recorded till 1 pm
Polling for the high-stakes Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 is in full swing, with over 33 per cent voter turnout recorded in the first four hours. The national capital is witnessing a crucial electoral battle, with 70 constituencies up for grabs and 699 candidates in the fray.
According to the Election Commission (EC), voting began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM across 13,766 polling stations. Approximately 1.56 crore eligible voters are set to decide Delhi’s political future in this contest, which could reshape the city’s governance.
Turnout trends: Highest in north east Delhi, lowest in central Delhi
As per official data, 19.95 per cent of voters had cast their ballots by 11 AM. The highest turnout was recorded in North East Delhi at 24.87 per cent, with Babarpur leading the constituencies at 31.30 per cent. Conversely, Central Delhi saw the lowest turnout at 16.46 per cent, with Karol Bagh recording only 11 per cent voter participation.
District-wise voter turnout by 11 AM:
- North East – 24.87 per cent
- Shahdara – 23.30 per cent
- South West – 21.90 per cent
- East Delhi – 20.03 per cent
- South – 19.75 per cent
- North West – 19.75 per cent
- South East – 19.66 per cent
- North – 18.63 per cent
- West Delhi – 17.67 per cent
- New Delhi – 16.80 per cent
- Central Delhi – 16.46 per cent
Key leaders among early voters
Several political heavyweights and prominent figures have already cast their votes, including:
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
- Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna
- Union Ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri
- Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader Atishi
CEC urges voters to step out
After casting his vote in Moti Bagh, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar urged citizens to participate actively. He highlighted the months-long preparation for the elections and encouraged young voters, saying,
"Over 1.5 lakh people are involved in conducting these polls. No one should stay home—everyone must vote. I am confident that Delhi will witness a high voter turnout."
Political leaders make final appeals
BJP leaders called on voters to support their party’s development agenda.
- Kalkaji BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri: “PM Modi wants development in Delhi, just like across India. Vote for better roads, clean water, and a pollution-free Yamuna.”
- BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi: "Voting is not just a right, but a responsibility. Democracy has no place for dishonesty."
- Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva: "Support BJP’s vision for a cleaner, better-governed Delhi under PM Modi."
Meanwhile, AAP leaders framed the election as a choice between progress and disruption.
- CM Atishi: "This election is a battle between work and hooliganism."
- AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal: "Your vote is not just a button—it secures your children’s future, good schools, and quality healthcare."
On the other hand, Congress leaders focused on governance failures and urged voters to make an informed choice.
- Sandeep Dikshit (New Delhi candidate): "Vote in large numbers to protect your rights."
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge: "Choose those who have delivered real development, not false promises."
- Rahul Gandhi: "Remember who committed the biggest scam in Delhi while preaching clean politics."
AAP seeks third term, BJP eyes comeback, Congress struggles for revival
The Delhi Assembly Election 2025 is being seen as a referendum on AAP’s governance model and the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, who is seeking a third consecutive term. The BJP, out of power in Delhi for over 25 years, is making an aggressive push to reclaim the capital. Meanwhile, Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years until 2013, is struggling for relevance after failing to win a single seat in the last two elections.
Polling continues amid heavy security
With voting ongoing, security has been tightened across the city to ensure a smooth electoral process. Authorities are closely monitoring the polling booths, and election officials are urging citizens to step out and vote in large numbers.
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