Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of Delhi to actively participate in the ongoing Assembly elections, calling it a “festival of democracy.” In a message on social media platform X, Modi encouraged all voters, particularly first-time voters, to cast their votes enthusiastically and celebrate the moment afterward with some well-earned refreshments.
In his post, Modi wrote, “In today’s Delhi Assembly elections, votes will be cast for all seats. I urge voters to participate in this festival of democracy with full enthusiasm and make sure to cast their valuable vote.” He also extended special wishes to young voters, saying, “I wish all my young friends voting for the first time the best. Remember—first vote, then refreshments!”
The Prime Minister’s message underscored the importance of every vote, especially for the younger generation stepping into the electoral process for the first time.
Voting began at 7:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm on Wednesday for the 70 assembly seats. Amid tight security, officials emphasized the significance of the occasion for the capital’s electorate, which includes over 1.56 crore registered voters, among them 2,39,905 first-time voters aged 18-19, 1,09,368 elderly voters aged 85 and above, and 79,885 people with disabilities.
Echoing Modi’s call, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also urged Delhi voters to exercise their democratic rights. In his post on X, Dhami appealed, “‘First vote, then refreshments!’ I urge all Delhi voters to cast their ballots wisely, choosing a capable, nationalist, and progressive government for a brighter future. Every vote matters in strengthening democracy and shaping the future of Delhi.”
In preparation for the election, over 97,000 personnel and 8,700 volunteers have been deployed to ensure a smooth process. Security measures include 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 19,000 Home Guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel.
Special initiatives to promote inclusivity include 70 polling stations run entirely by women, 70 managed by people with disabilities, and another 70 designed to encourage youth participation. Voters can also use the “Delhi Election – 2025 QMS” app to check real-time crowd levels at polling stations, with medical teams and creche facilities available for emergencies.
Chief Electoral Officer R. Alice Vaz called on all eligible voters to participate in the election, emphasizing the civic duty of voting. “I urge all Delhi voters to come out in large numbers on February 5th and make their voices heard,” she said.
The contest sees the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, is looking to reclaim power. The BJP has targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on issues like water quality and corruption, while Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has accused AAP of damaging the city’s infrastructure.
