As the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections began on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Parvesh Verma, described the day as significant for the people of Delhi. Verma expressed his hopes for a BJP-led government in the capital.
“It’s an important day for the people of Delhi. I prayed that the BJP government will be formed in Delhi,” Verma told reporters.
Verma, who is contesting against AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit in New Delhi, also offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place on Saturday ahead of the results.
The vote counting process for the Delhi Assembly elections began under strict security arrangements. Postal ballots are being counted first, with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) set to be opened at 8:30 am.
The assembly election saw a voter turnout of 60.54% on February 5, with the election for the 70-member assembly now in its final stage.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is determined to return to power in the National Capital after more than two decades.
Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit, a candidate from the New Delhi constituency, told reporters that he had no knowledge of any post-poll alliance with AAP, leaving the decision to the party high command. “I have no idea about the alliance. It is the decision of the high command. Let the counting of the votes happen,” Dikshit said.
Exit polls released earlier this week suggested an edge for BJP over AAP, but AAP leaders remain confident, arguing that exit polls often underestimate their performance. They expressed optimism about their return to power.
The BJP’s campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted AAP over issues like the alleged pollution in the Yamuna River and the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence. Modi also used terms like “Aapda” and “Sheesh Mahal” to criticize Kejriwal.
Meanwhile, AAP highlighted its achievements in the education sector during its tenure, with Kejriwal claiming that if the BJP returned to power, they would end free education.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also held rallies, attacking Kejriwal and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia for their alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy “scam” case.
Key constituencies include New Delhi, where AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is contesting against Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit and BJP’s Parvesh Verma. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is facing BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba. The election saw sharp exchanges between leaders of the three parties.
Although Congress ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, it has failed to win any seats in the past two elections. AAP has dominated the Delhi Assembly for the last two terms, while BJP is looking to break the trend and reclaim power after more than two decades.
