NEW DELHI: The counting of votes for Delhi’s assembly commenced amid tight security at 19 locations across the national capital on Saturday. Postal ballots is being counted first, after Electronic Voting Machines. The EVMs and VVPAT machines kept in 70 strongrooms and are secured by a 3-tier cordon, officIals said. 

As the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections is all set, key candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress visited temples to offer prayers.

AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, contesting from the Greater Kailash seat, prayed at the Kalkaji temple. He said, "Whatever happens now is in the hands of the mother goddess." Confident about his party’s victory, he added, "People have supported AAP, and I believe Arvind Kejriwal will become the Chief Minister for the fourth time. We expect to win at least 40-45 seats."

His BJP rival, Shikha Rai, also prayed at the same temple and said, "I have come to seek the blessings of Maa Kalka. I am confident of winning."

Another BJP candidate, Satish Upadhyay, who is contesting from Malviya Nagar, visited the Hanuman temple in Green Park. He stated, "Just like India is moving towards becoming a developed nation, the 'Lotus' (BJP symbol) will bloom in Delhi too. AAP won’t get a hat-trick this time."

BJP’s Moti Nagar candidate, Harish Khurana, was also sure of his party’s victory. He claimed, "BJP will win more than 50 seats and form the government in Delhi after 27 years. People are fed up with AAP’s blame game. Their tricks have failed."

Kailash Gangwal, BJP’s candidate from Madipur, also expressed confidence, saying, "People want change, and they have voted in large numbers for the BJP. We will form the government this time."

Former AAP leader and now Congress candidate from Kalkaji, Alka Lamba, also offered prayers. She said, "I started my election campaign with Kalka ji’s darshan. We fought for the people’s issues and will accept whatever they decide."

Congress candidate Abhishek Dutt from Kasturba Nagar said, "Truth and hard work will win. I trust the people will give me another chance."

AAP’s Patel Nagar candidate, Pravesh Ratan, was also hopeful. He said, "We expect a strong result. AAP will form the government with a big majority."

Security has been increased at counting centers across Delhi. AAP is aiming for a third straight term, while BJP hopes to return to power after more than two decades. Congress, once dominant in Delhi for 15 years, has struggled in the last two elections and is trying to make a comeback.

: