The Election Commission of India has officially announced the dates for the highly anticipated Delhi Assembly Election 2025. In what is shaping up to be a political showdown, elections for all 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly will take place on February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8. This announcement sets the stage for a fierce battle among the major political parties in the capital.
AAP Eyes Hat-Trick Amid Legal Challenges
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is aiming for a historic third consecutive victory in Delhi after securing a landslide 67 seats in 2015 and 62 seats in 2020. However, this election comes with its own set of challenges. Several AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, have faced legal hurdles, with accusations leading to arrests. Undeterred, Kejriwal has vowed to return to power, buoyed by his party’s extensive groundwork and loyal voter base.
BJP Gears Up for Tough Battle
For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Delhi Assembly elections are a litmus test. Having already announced candidates for 29 constituencies, the party is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to wrest control from AAP. Allegations of corruption against AAP and claims of voter list irregularities have been central to BJP’s campaign narrative. With an estimated 1.5 crore voters, including 83 lakh male and 70 lakh female voters, the BJP is hoping to tap into public sentiment for a decisive shift in governance.
Congress Looks to Reclaim Lost Glory
The Congress, which held power in Delhi for 15 consecutive years before AAP’s emergence, is looking for a comeback. While the party faces an uphill battle, its leadership is optimistic about securing a larger share of votes this time around. However, the rivalry between AAP and BJP may overshadow Congress’s efforts to regain its former dominance.
Election Timeline and Key Details
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing the media, assured voters of a transparent electoral process, emphasizing the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which have been validated by courts 42 times. The notification for the elections will be issued on January 10, with the last date for filing nominations set for January 17. Scrutiny will follow on January 18, and candidates will have until January 20 to withdraw their nominations.
Controversy Clouds Campaigning
The campaign trail has already been marred by allegations and counter-allegations. The voter community has raised concerns about alleged tampering with voter lists by AAP, while BJP has accused AAP of supporting Rohingyas for electoral gain. Meanwhile, Congress has accused AAP of distributing money to influence voters, further intensifying the already charged political atmosphere.
What’s at Stake?
This election is not just a contest for power but a referendum on governance in the national capital. With AAP seeking a hat-trick, BJP determined to make inroads, and Congress attempting a resurgence, the stakes have never been higher. The coming weeks will see intense campaigning, promises, and possibly more controversies as Delhi gears up for another pivotal election.
Stay tuned as the city prepares for its most crucial political battle yet, where every vote will count and every promise will be scrutinized.
