NEW DELHI: On the last day of campaigning, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its outreach with 22 roadshows and rallies across Delhi, determined to end its 25-year-long absence from the capital’s power corridors. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP is confident of securing a third consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress, which held sway over Delhi for 15 years until 2013, is eyeing a comeback after being wiped out in the past two elections.
From heated exchanges to Artificial Intelligence technology-generated spoofs, the campaigns have the facilities like never before. Digital memes, viral content, and social media skirmishes have added a new dimension to the political battleground.
As per the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, all public meetings and campaign programmes must close 48-hours before voting begins. Disseminating campaign material via television, cinema, or print media is also prohibited during this cooling-off period.
AAP dubbed BJP the "Bharatiya Jhootha Party" (Indian Liar Party), while Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired back, labeling AAP as "AAP-Daa" (a play on 'disaster') and calling Arvind Kejriwal the "Ghoshna Mantri" (Minister of Announcements). Congress, not one to be left behind, criticized both parties, branding Kejriwal as "Farziwal" (Fake) and referring to him as a "Chhota Recharge" (Small Recharge) of Modi.
According to Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), 1.56 crore voters are registered to participate, casting their votes at 13,766 polling stations. This includes 83.76 lakh male voters, 72.36 lakh female voters, and 1,267 individuals identifying as third gender. Special arrangements have also been made with 733 polling stations designed for persons with disabilities.
For the first time, the Election Commission has introduced a Queue Management System (QMS) app, allowing voters to check real-time crowd updates at polling stations. Additionally, the home voting facility for senior citizens and disabled voters has already seen 6,980 out of 7,553 eligible individuals cast their votes since the service began on January 24. This option will remain available until February 4.
To ensure a smooth and secure election process, officials all set to deploy 220 paramilitary units, 19,000 home guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel. Voting infrastructure includes 21,584 ballot units, 20,692 control units, and 18,943 VVPATs, along with provisions for dummy and Braille ballots.
In the 2015 elections, AAP swept 67 out of 70 seats, leaving only three for BJP and none for Congress. In 2020, AAP secured 62 seats, BJP improved slightly with eight, while Congress remained seatless.
As the BJP aims to disrupt AAP’s dominance and Congress seeks to regain relevance, Delhi braces for an intense electoral contest. The outcome, set to be revealed on February 8, will determine whether the capital continues under AAP’s leadership, shifts back to BJP, or witnesses an unexpected Congress revival.