Delhi MCD By-Election Results Awaited Amid High Stakes for BJP, AAP, and Congress
Results of the Delhi MCD By-Elections to be Announced
The results of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) by-elections, seen as a litmus test for the ruling BJP, AAP, and Congress, are set to be revealed today. The counting of votes for the by-elections held in 12 wards of the MCD is currently underway under strict security measures.
Voting took place on November 30 across these 12 wards, with the BJP holding nine wards and the AAP controlling the remaining three.
The Delhi State Election Commission has made all necessary arrangements for the counting process, which is taking place at ten centers located in Kanjhawala, Pitampura, Bharat Nagar, Civil Lines, Rouse Avenue, Dwarka, Najafgarh, Gol Market, Pushp Vihar, and Mandawali.
Security Measures in Place for Vote Counting
Approximately 1,800 police personnel and ten companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed for the counting process. Around 700 staff members are specifically assigned to assist with the counting, ensuring that candidates and their authorized counting agents have the necessary facilities.
The voter turnout for these by-elections was recorded at 38.51%, a decrease compared to the 50.47% turnout in the 2022 elections for the 250 wards of the MCD. All eyes are particularly focused on the results from Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B wards.
Key Wards and Candidates
Rekha Gupta, the former municipal councillor from Shalimar Bagh B, vacated her seat after becoming the Chief Minister following the BJP's victory in the February assembly elections. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, the BJP MP from West Delhi, was previously the councillor for Dwarka B.
This by-election is crucial for the BJP as it marks their first significant contest since their historic win in the assembly elections earlier this year. Meanwhile, AAP and Congress are striving to regain their lost influence in Delhi. After casting her vote, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged citizens to utilize their votes wisely, stating that it is through their votes that they can choose the right representatives and accelerate Delhi's development.