Delhi Assembly election ends with 60.42% voter turnout as political battle intensifies

The Delhi Assembly election concluded on February 5, 2025, recording a voter turnout rate of 60.42%, the lowest since 2008. This decline has sparked discussions among political analysts, who point to voter apathy, dissatisfaction with governance, and evolving political dynamics as possible reasons for the reduced participation. The election, featuring a fierce contest among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Indian National Congress, will determine the capital’s political future.

Over 1.56 crore eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots across 70 constituencies at 13,766 polling stations. While North-East Delhi recorded the highest voter turnout rate at 66.25%, New Delhi district saw the lowest participation, at 57.13%. The Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed that voting proceeded smoothly, with adequate security measures to ensure a fair electoral process.

How did AAP, BJP, and Congress approach the 2025 Delhi elections?

The Delhi Assembly election was defined by high-stakes campaigns from AAP, BJP, and Congress, each vying for control of the national capital. AAP, led by Chief Minister Atishi Marlena, campaigned on its governance track record, emphasizing improvements in healthcare, education, and social welfare initiatives. The party sought a third consecutive term by positioning itself as the champion of public welfare policies.

The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to break the decade-long rule of AAP, presenting an aggressive campaign centered on nationalism, infrastructure development, and law enforcement reforms. The party leveraged its control at the national level, promising to bring transformative changes to Delhi’s governance.

The Congress, once the dominant force in Delhi politics, attempted to revive its influence by fielding candidates in all 70 seats. Despite its weakened presence in the last two elections, the party sought to attract voters dissatisfied with both AAP and BJP, positioning itself as an alternative for those seeking change.

What controversies surrounded the Delhi Assembly election?

The Delhi Assembly election was marred by allegations of bogus voting and electoral malpractice, with both AAP and BJP accusing each other of irregularities. The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed these claims, assuring the public that the voting process was conducted transparently. However, the accusations fueled tensions between political parties, leading to heated exchanges on the campaign trail.

Another key issue in this election was the declining voter turnout rate, raising concerns about political engagement in Delhi. Political experts attribute the low participation to a combination of voter fatigue, disillusionment with leadership, and confidence in existing governance structures. The 2025 Delhi Assembly election turnout fell significantly below the 62.59% recorded in 2020, indicating shifting voter behavior in the capital.

What do exit polls suggest about the Delhi election results?

Exit polls conducted after the Delhi Assembly election suggest a potential power shift, with BJP projected to gain 35 to 50 seats, surpassing the majority threshold of 36. If these projections hold, it would mark a dramatic shift in Delhi’s political landscape, unseating AAP after ten years in power.

AAP, which won 62 seats in 2020, is expected to face significant losses, with some analysts predicting the party could drop to around 20 to 30 seats. The party’s declining performance, if confirmed, may indicate growing voter fatigue with AAP’s governance model despite its focus on education, healthcare, and subsidies.

The Congress, which once dominated Delhi politics, is expected to remain a minor player, with exit polls predicting minimal seat gains. The party’s struggle to regain voter confidence reflects its continued decline in urban electoral strongholds.

While exit polls provide an initial outlook, the final results, set to be announced on February 8, 2025, will determine the actual political shift in Delhi Assembly election dynamics.

What is at stake in the 2025 Delhi Assembly election results?

The results of the Delhi Assembly election will significantly influence the capital’s governance over the next five years. If BJP secures a majority, it will mark a historic comeback, ending AAP’s dominance and reshaping the city’s policies. A BJP-led government would likely introduce structural reforms, focusing on infrastructure, security, and central government-aligned development projects.

If AAP retains power, it would reaffirm public trust in its governance model despite declining voter turnout. The party would likely continue its subsidy-driven welfare programs and seek to expand its influence beyond Delhi.

The Delhi election results will also serve as a political indicator ahead of the 2029 general elections, offering insights into voter sentiments in one of India’s most politically significant regions. The battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress highlights the shifting electoral dynamics that could shape the broader political future of the country.

With the voter turnout rate at its lowest in 17 years, all political parties will need to reassess their strategies to engage Delhi’s electorate more effectively. The results on February 8 will provide the ultimate verdict on whether the capital chooses a new leadership or continues under the governance of AAP.