Atishi wins as Kejriwal, Sisodia lose narrowly.
If pre-poll surveys prove accurate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to return to power in Delhi after a long gap of over 26 years. This would mark a significant political shift, ending the dominance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal. Since 2015, AAP has maintained a stronghold in Delhi, winning consecutive elections on the back of its governance model focused on education, healthcare, and public welfare. However, if BJP secures victory, it will not only regain control of the capital but also break AAP’s winning streak, reshaping Delhi’s political landscape and setting the stage for future electoral battles.
Delhi Assembly Election 2025: Counting Underway Amid Tight Security, AAP and BJP in Fierce Battle
New Delhi: The counting of votes for Delhi’s 70 Assembly constituencies began early on Saturday, February 8, across 19 locations under tight security. The highly anticipated election result will determine whether the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secures a fourth consecutive term or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) succeeds in returning.
The contest has been a high-stakes battle between AAP, which has governed Delhi since 2015, and the BJP, which is aiming to reclaim the state after nearly three decades. Meanwhile, the Congress is hoping for a revival after failing to win a single seat in the last two elections.
AAP’s Past Dominance and BJP’s Challenge
The AAP first rose to power in 2013 but resigned after 49 days. It returned with a landslide victory in 2015, winning 67 of the 70 seats, and repeated its dominance in 2020 by securing 62 seats. The BJP, despite aggressive campaigning in previous elections, remained a distant second, while the Congress virtually disappeared from Delhi’s electoral map.
This election, however, has been different. Several exit polls have predicted an edge for the BJP, raising questions about whether Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP will maintain its grip over the national capital.
A victory for AAP would reaffirm Kejriwal’s stronghold and enhance his national stature, especially in the run-up to future elections. On the other hand, if the BJP wins, it would mark a significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape and break AAP’s decade-long dominance.
Key Developments as Counting Progresses
- 1:10 PM Update: AAP’s Satyendar Jain lost to BJP’s Karnail Singh in Shakur Basti.
- Sitting Chief Minister Atishi Marlena secured a crucial victory in Kalkaji, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri, bringing some relief to AAP after major setbacks.
- Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, both key figures in AAP, lost by narrow margins, signaling a potential political shakeup.
Security Arrangements for Counting
Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Alice Vaz, assured that the counting process was being conducted with the highest level of security and transparency. 5,000 personnel, including supervisors, assistants, micro-observers, and support staff, were deployed to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Counting stations have been set up across multiple districts, with:
- Shahdara, Central Delhi, East, South, and Southwest districts each having one counting station.
- North, West, Northeast, and Southeast districts having two counting stations each.
- New Delhi and Northwest districts having three counting stations each.
Voter Turnout and Counting Process
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), voter turnout in Delhi was 60.54% on polling day.
As per the Conduct of Election Rules, the counting began with postal ballots, followed by votes recorded in electronic voting machines (EVMs), which were opened 30 minutes later.
What’s at Stake?
- AAP Victory: If AAP retains power, it will strengthen Kejriwal’s position as a dominant political force in Delhi and enhance his national appeal.
- BJP Comeback: If the BJP wins, it will end AAP’s reign and establish a new political order in Delhi after over two decades.
- Congress Revival: Congress is looking to regain lost ground, though exit polls suggest a difficult path for the party.
The Road Ahead
With votes still being counted, the final results will soon reveal whether AAP’s political supremacy remains intact or if the BJP has successfully staged a comeback. Whatever the outcome, Delhi’s political landscape is set for a major transformation. Stay tuned for further updates.