New Delhi: The stage is set for a fiercely contested Delhi assembly election, as the Election Commission announced polling will take place on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. The election marks another chapter in the battle for dominance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress.
Key Dynamics of the Contest
For the AAP, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, this election is a fight to secure a third consecutive term in what has been its stronghold. However, allegations of corruption and anti-incumbency have made the party appear more vulnerable than in previous polls.
The BJP, despite dominating national politics and having a strong presence across most of India, has struggled to capture Delhi’s assembly since 1993. Meanwhile, Congress, which held sway over Delhi politics from 1998 to 2013 under Sheila Dikshit, is striving to reclaim its lost ground and remain relevant in the capital’s political landscape.
Election Timeline
The poll process begins on January 10, with January 17 as the last date for filing nominations. Nominations will be scrutinized on January 18, and withdrawals are allowed until January 20. The final two weeks before polling day promise intense campaigning as parties and candidates vie for voters’ attention.
AAP’s Strategy
In the 2020 elections, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats with 53.6% of the vote share, leaving BJP with just eight seats and 38.5%. Congress managed only 4.3% of the vote, winning no seats. AAP aims to replicate its success by showcasing achievements in healthcare, education, electricity, and welfare schemes.
CM Kejriwal called the election a battle between “politics of work and politics of hurling abuses,” urging his volunteers to counter opposition narratives with determination. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia highlighted “transformative achievements,” including free electricity, free bus travel for women, and improved public services.
BJP’s Optimism
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva expressed confidence in a “double-engine government” that would align the state and central governments. He criticized AAP for alleged corruption, calling it a “plundering AAPda government,” and emphasized grassroots campaigning to connect with voters.
Congress’s Revival Bid
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav accused both AAP and BJP of misrule, vowing to address issues like pollution, garbage, and lawlessness. Congress leaders cited the party’s legacy of infrastructure development, including the metro and improved connectivity, as a testament to their governance capabilities.
Voter Landscape and Logistics
Delhi has over 1.55 crore eligible voters, with over five lakh new applications under review. Of the 70 assembly seats, 58 are general and 12 reserved. The Election Commission scheduled polling on a Wednesday to encourage higher voter turnout, following the strategy used in Maharashtra.
National Implications
The outcome in Delhi, while local in scope, carries significant implications for all three parties. For AAP, a victory would solidify its position as a credible opposition at the national level. For BJP, winning Delhi would mark the end of a 26-year drought in the state assembly. For Congress, even a modest resurgence could signal a path to revival.
As the countdown begins, Delhi prepares for a high-stakes election, with every party aiming to sway the electorate in its favor.
