The North News
New Delhi, February 5
Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections concluded with a 60.50 percent over all turnout recorded on Wednesday. Polling was conducted in a single phase across 13,766 polling stations, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress locked in a fierce contest. Over 1.56 crore voters, including 83.76 lakh men, 72.36 lakh women, and 1,267 third-gender individuals, were eligible to vote for Delhi’s 70-member Assembly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the citizens to vote in large numbers. “I urge voters to participate in this festival of democracy with full enthusiasm. My special wishes to first-time voters—first vote, then refreshment,” he posted on social media.
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, after voting, remarked, “The public is in a mood for change.” President Droupadi Murmu exercised her franchise at Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, President’s Estate, while former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud praised India’s democracy and reaffirmed confidence in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Delhi residents to vote, emphasizing concerns over pollution, infrastructure, and governance. “Your vote will protect your rights and strengthen the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi said. Priyanka Gandhi echoed the sentiment, adding, “People are fed up with poor air, water, and roads. If you want change, step out and vote.”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Sudesh Dhankhar also cast their votes. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, voting in Delhi, called on residents to “restore Delhi” from what he termed “AAP-da,” criticizing AAP’s governance. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted the extensive preparations for smooth elections, urging maximum participation.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife and parents, cast his vote at Lady Irwin Senior Secondary School. AAP MP Raghav Chadha also urged citizens to participate in the “festival of democracy.”
