KKN Gurugram Desk | Voting has officially commenced for the much-anticipated Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, as over 1.56 crore voters are set to decide the fate of the city’s 70 assembly constituencies. With a heavy electoral atmosphere, all 70 constituencies are voting in a single phase today, with 13,766 polling stations set up at 2,696 polling locations across Delhi. This high-octane political event has garnered attention not just from local but also national observers, as Delhi’s outcome will have significant implications for the political landscape.

Paid Holiday Declared for Government and Private Sector Employees

In an important move to encourage voter participation, the Delhi government has declared a paid holiday for employees in both the government and private sectors. This holiday will ensure that employees across the city have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote without work-related interruptions. Additionally, neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have also followed suit, declaring a paid holiday to facilitate the participation of voters residing in those states but working in the National Capital.

This election is not just a battle for political dominance but a contest that reflects the mood of the electorate and their level of engagement. With voter turnout expected to play a decisive role in the outcome, all eyes are on Delhi’s electorate today. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the city saw a 62.59% voter turnout, which was a high turnout. In contrast, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections had a lower turnout of 56%. Analysts suggest that this time, the turnout may be even more significant due to the growing political stakes.

Election Day: What’s at Stake?

The Delhi Assembly elections are of immense political importance. For the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the goal is clear: to secure a third consecutive term and continue their governance-driven agenda focused on welfare schemes, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) are aiming to mount a serious challenge and stage a political comeback, with both parties hoping to capitalize on any discontent with the incumbent government.

In terms of candidates, the electoral contest is fierce. There are 699 candidates vying for the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. The AAP and Congress have fielded 70 candidates each, while the BJP has fielded 68 candidates—giving two seats to its allies Janata Dal-United (JD(U)) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Among the key constituencies to watch is New Delhi, the seat of power, where AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal is seeking to retain his seat. He faces stiff competition from Parvesh Sahib Singh of the BJP and Sandeep Dikshit of the Congress, both of whom are sons of former Chief Ministers of Delhi.

Key Candidates and Constituencies to Watch

The New Delhi constituency, which is one of the most high-profile seats in this election, has become a flashpoint of political activity. Arvind Kejriwal, the sitting Chief Minister, has been a dominant figure in Delhi’s political landscape, and his bid to retain his seat is closely watched. His opponents, Parvesh Sahib Singh of the BJP and Sandeep Dikshit of the Congress, are also formidable contenders. While Kejriwal remains a popular figure for his governance and welfare schemes, his rivals are hoping to challenge his stronghold in this constituency.

Other constituencies to keep an eye on include Kalkaji, Karawal Nagar, Greater Kailash, and Laxmi Nagar, where prominent political figures from both the AAP, BJP, and Congress are contesting. The AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj in Greater Kailash and the BJP’s Kapil Mishra in Karawal Nagar are among the high-profile candidates.

Early Voters and Prominent Figures Cast Their Votes

As polling began at 7 a.m., several prominent political leaders and public figures came out to cast their votes. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi were among the early voters, setting a tone for the day.

Other notable personalities who exercised their franchise early included Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, and Delhi Chief Electoral Officer R Alice Vaz. These leaders’ participation in the voting process is expected to inspire many others to head to the polling stations.

Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Kapil Mishra, Sandeep Dikshit, and Alka Lamba are among the key candidates from various parties who were among the early voters. These leaders’ participation is symbolic of their commitment to democracy and their call to the electorate to come out and vote.

Key Issues Driving Voter Sentiment

As voting takes place across Delhi, several key issues have been at the forefront of voter sentiment. Governance and welfare schemes have been the focus of the AAP’s campaign, which has been touting its successes in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The party’s free electricity scheme, Mohalla Clinics, and improved public transport have been some of the major talking points.

Meanwhile, the BJP has focused on national security, economic growth, and development, hoping to make inroads into the urban vote bank. Congress, on the other hand, is trying to revive its political fortunes by appealing to its traditional voter base, while also looking to project itself as an alternative to the ruling AAP.

The Purvanchali voters are also expected to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome. Their electoral influence has been growing steadily, and their votes could tilt the balance in several constituencies. As reports suggest, their influence could be decisive in areas such as Karawal Nagar, Kalkaji, and Seelampur.

Voter Turnout and the Role of Women Voters

The voter turnout in the Delhi elections will be one of the most closely monitored aspects of the day. A high voter turnout, especially among women, is expected to be crucial for the outcome. In the 2020 elections, women voters showed significant participation, which became a key talking point in the aftermath of the results. With the electoral stakes higher this time around, the parties are keen to ensure that their messages resonate with the women voters in the capital.

Polling Continues Until 6 PM

The polling is expected to continue until 6 p.m., and the Election Commission of India has emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during the process. Strict measures have been put in place to ensure smooth polling operations, including the deployment of a large number of security personnel and surveillance measures at all polling stations.

The Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 are shaping up to be one of the most critical political events of the year, not only for Delhi but for the broader political landscape of India. The AAP is aiming for a historic third consecutive term, while both the BJP and Congress are focused on making a strong comeback. The election results will have far-reaching consequences, influencing both local governance and national politics.

As Delhi votes today, all eyes will be on the city to see if voter engagement leads to a high turnout, which could significantly impact the final result. While the fate of 699 candidates is being decided in the ballot box, it is the people of Delhi who hold the true power. Stay tuned for more updates as the day unfolds.