The battle for Delhi is set to unfold as 1.56 crore voters prepare to cast their ballots on February 5, deciding the fate of 70 assembly seats in a contest that could reshape the political landscape of the capital. The election, held in a single phase, will see results declared on February 8, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeking a third consecutive term against a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a determined Congress.
After weeks of relentless campaigning, the streets of Delhi fell silent on Monday evening as the official canvassing period ended. In the past month, the city witnessed an aggressive push from all major parties, with leaders crisscrossing constituencies through roadshows, bike rallies, and public meetings. AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal, BJP’s top leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi left no stone unturned in appealing to voters.
The campaign was marked by fiery exchanges, sharp accusations, and promises aimed at key voter groups. The BJP launched an all-out attack on Kejriwal, branding him corrupt and accusing AAP of misusing public funds, while the ruling party countered by highlighting its governance in education, healthcare, and free services. Congress, hoping to regain lost ground, took on both rivals with a mix of nostalgia and new promises, focusing on welfare schemes for women and the unemployed.
One of the biggest flashpoints of the campaign was the battle for Purvanchali votes, with all three parties vying for support from this influential group. Lavish promises, from grand Chhath Puja celebrations to Bhojpuri campaign songs, flooded the election discourse. Kejriwal, however, did not shy away from controversy, accusing the BJP and Delhi Police of conspiring to weaken AAP’s campaign and even alleging that the Haryana government was contaminating the Yamuna to harm Delhi’s water supply.
This election also carries high stakes beyond just who will govern Delhi. With 699 candidates in the fray, the outcome is expected to serve as a referendum on AAP’s governance, while also determining BJP’s ability to challenge Kejriwal’s dominance and Congress’s prospects of revival in the capital.
Among the key battles, Kejriwal is defending his New Delhi seat against BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit. In Kalkaji, AAP’s Atishi faces a tough challenge from Congress’s Alka Lamba and BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri. Manish Sisodia, a key AAP leader, is contesting Jangpura, while Satyendar Jain is in the fray from Shakur Basti. Meanwhile, Malviya Nagar will witness another high-profile fight between AAP’s Somnath Bharti, BJP’s Satish Upadhyay, and Congress’s Jitendra Kumar Kochar.
While AAP and BJP have made sweeping promises, Congress has also entered the race with bold welfare schemes. Free electricity, cash transfers for women, and gas cylinder subsidies have become central themes in manifestos. BJP’s ₹21,000 maternity support scheme, Congress’s ₹8,500 monthly allowance for unemployed youth, and AAP’s free travel schemes for students and workers have further raised the stakes.
As Delhi heads to the polls, security has been tightened with over 30,000 police personnel and 220 paramilitary companies deployed. Sensitive polling booths will be under drone surveillance, while Quick Reaction Teams stand ready to prevent any disruption. The Election Commission has also introduced a Queue Management System app to help voters check real-time crowd levels at polling stations.
With the stage set for an electrifying contest, all eyes are now on February 5. Will AAP retain its stronghold, or will Delhi see a shift in power? The verdict rests with the people
