Delhi’s Public Opinion Favors BJP in Assembly Elections

New Delhi: The voting process for the Delhi Assembly elections has concluded, with all 70 constituencies casting their votes in a single phase. Today, Delhi’s voters determined the political fate of nearly 700 candidates, and the results are set to be announced on February 8. Meanwhile, exit poll results have started to emerge, indicating a potential shift in power.

The high voter turnout suggests that Delhiites are eager for change. According to reports from our correspondents, BJP candidates appear to be leading in several constituencies. However, the final outcome will only be confirmed when the votes are counted. The key questions remain: How many seats will BJP secure to form the government? Can AAP retain its stronghold? Will Congress make a comeback? The answers will be revealed once the results are officially declared.

BJP Poised for a Strong Comeback

Based on early projections, BJP is expected to secure between 55-57 seats, while AAP may manage 10-12 seats, and Congress is likely to win 3-5 seats. Currently, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governs Delhi, with Atishi serving as the Chief Minister. AAP has dominated the last three elections, with Arvind Kejriwal leading the party to consecutive victories in 2013, 2015, and 2020.

However, Kejriwal’s tenure was marred by legal troubles. In March 2024, he was arrested in connection with a money laundering case related to the liquor scam. Although he was granted bail in September, he subsequently resigned as Chief Minister, leading to Atishi’s appointment as his successor.

A Crucial Election for AAP, BJP, and Congress

This election is a decisive moment for AAP as it faces stiff competition from BJP and Congress. BJP, which last won in Delhi in 1993, is eager to regain power after three decades. Congress, once a dominant force under Sheila Dixit, ruled the capital from 1998 to 2013, securing victories in three consecutive elections. However, it has struggled to regain its foothold since AAP’s emergence.

Delhi has approximately 1.56 crore registered voters, and polling took place from 7 AM to 6 PM. The voter turnout is expected to play a crucial role in determining the final results.

A Look at Past Election Trends

In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, securing 53.80% of the vote share. BJP managed to win only 8 seats but garnered 38.70% of the votes. The 2015 elections were an even bigger triumph for AAP, with the party securing 67 seats and a 54.50% vote share, while BJP won just 3 seats with 32.30% of the votes.

Key Constituencies to Watch

Several high-profile seats in this election have drawn significant attention, with key leaders contesting from crucial constituencies:

• New Delhi: AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal faces tough competition from BJP’s Pravesh Verma and Congress’ Sandeep Dixit, son of former CM Sheila Dixit.
• Patparganj: AAP’s Avadh Ojha is up against BJP’s Ravinder Singh Negi and Congress’ Anil Chaudhary.
• Rohini: AAP’s Pradeep and BJP’s Vijender Gupta are locked in a battle for this north-western Delhi seat.
• Kalkaji: Current CM Atishi of AAP is in a three-way contest against BJP’s former MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’ Alka Lamba.
• Jangpura: AAP’s Manish Sisodia is facing BJP’s Sardar Tarvinder Singh Marwah and Congress’ Farhad Suri in a fierce competition.

As Delhi awaits the official results, the political landscape appears to be shifting. Whether BJP will finally return to power, AAP will hold its ground, or Congress will stage a comeback remains to be seen. The final verdict will be decided on February 8.

Team Maverick.