New Delhi- Delhi's Assembly elections are underway on Wednesday, with voting taking place across all 70 constituencies under extensive security arrangements. The Election Commission has deployed a massive security force comprising 220 paramilitary companies, over 35,000 Delhi Police personnel, and 19,000 Home Guards, with special attention to approximately 3,000 sensitive polling booths that are under drone surveillance and monitored by Quick Reaction Teams.
The electoral battle features prominent candidates including AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal from New Delhi constituency, Chief Minister Atishi from Kalkaji, and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia from Jangpura. The BJP has fielded strong contenders like Parvesh Verma from New Delhi and Ramesh Bidhuri from Kalkaji, while the Congress has put forward Alka Lamba in Kalkaji and Sandeep Dikshit in New Delhi. Key campaign issues include the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy, environmental concerns including pollution and Yamuna water quality, infrastructure development, and public safety.
The results, scheduled to be announced on February 8, will determine whether AAP can maintain its dominance after its sweeping victory in 2020, when it won 62 out of 70 seats. The BJP, which currently holds eight seats, is seeking to regain power, while the Congress aims to reverse its fortunes after failing to secure any seats in the last two elections.
The campaign saw active participation from national leaders, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah leading the BJP's efforts, while the Congress campaign was spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
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