Voting commenced in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday, February 8, for the crucial state legislature election. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aiming to seize control of the capital from the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), headed by Arvind Kejriwal.
The election for 70 assembly seats in Delhi features a three-way contest between the BJP, the AAP, and the Congress party. The AAP, in power for a decade, faces anti-incumbency sentiment. The BJP, governing nationally in a coalition, seeks to reclaim Delhi after 27 years. The Congress party, part of an alliance challenging Modi's BJP in the 2024 general elections, is competing against both the AAP and the BJP.
Polling began at 7 am (1.30 am UTC) and will conclude at 6 pm (12.30 pm UTC). The election results are scheduled to be announced on Saturday, February 11.
In the lead-up to the elections, political parties intensified their campaigns with roadshows, rallies, and press conferences. Both Modi and Kejriwal have appealed to voters with promises of improved government schools, free health services and electricity, and a monthly allowance of over 2,000 rupees (22 euros) for poor women.
While several political analysts deemed the Congress party's campaign lackluster, it gained momentum in the final week with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi conducting 12 public meetings.