On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu exercised her right to vote in the Delhi Assembly elections at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, located within the President’s Estate.
Polling for the 70 assembly seats began in the morning, with voters heading to the polls for the 8th Delhi Assembly amid tight security. Voting commenced at 7:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm, according to officials.
Delhi’s electoral roll includes 1,56,14,000 registered voters, with 83,76,173 males, 72,36,560 females, and 1,267 third-gender voters. The electorate also consists of 2,39,905 first-time voters between the ages of 18-19, 1,09,368 elderly voters aged 85 and above, and 79,885 persons with disabilities.
Security for the elections has been strengthened with the deployment of around 97,955 personnel and 8,715 volunteers. In addition, 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 19,000 Home Guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel have been stationed to ensure peaceful polling.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming to regain control of the Delhi Assembly. The BJP’s campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has focused on issues such as the Yamuna water crisis and allegations of corruption against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have also campaigned, accusing AAP of neglecting Delhi’s infrastructure.
A total of 699 candidates are contesting for the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi called on Delhi voters to actively participate in the ongoing elections and encouraged first-time voters to cast their votes first before celebrating the occasion with refreshments. On social media, he wrote, “In today’s Delhi Assembly elections, votes will be cast for all seats. I urge the voters here to participate in this festival of democracy with full enthusiasm and make sure to cast their valuable vote.” Modi also extended special wishes to young voters, saying, “I extend my special wishes to all the young friends who are voting for the first time. Remember—first vote, then refreshments!”
