Delhi MCD By-Elections: BJP and AAP Secure Early Wins

Vote Counting Underway for MCD By-Elections

The counting of votes for the by-elections in 12 wards of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) is currently in progress. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have each claimed victory in two seats so far. The Congress party has also made its mark by winning the Sangam Vihar-A seat, marking its entry into the MCD.

In the MCD by-elections, BJP candidate Suman Kumar Gupta triumphed in the Chandni Chowk ward, while Anita Jain secured victory in the Shalimar Bagh B ward.

The counting began at 8 AM across 10 centers under strict security measures. Gupta defeated AAP's Harsh Sharma by a margin of 1,182 votes. Jain's win in Shalimar Bagh B ward is notable as it was previously held by former Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Initial trends indicate that the BJP is leading in the Dichaon Kalan and Greater Kailash wards, while AAP is ahead in the Naraina ward. In the by-elections held on November 30, nine of the 12 wards were previously represented by BJP councilors, with the remaining by AAP.

The Delhi State Election Commission has made all necessary arrangements for the counting process. Counting centers have been established in Kanjhawala, Pitampura, Bharat Nagar, Civil Lines, Rouse Avenue, Dwarka, Najafgarh, Gol Market, Pushp Vihar, and Mandawali.

Approximately 1,800 personnel from the Delhi Police and 10 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed for the counting. Around 700 staff members are assigned to assist with the counting, and facilities have been provided for candidates and their authorized counting agents.

Voter turnout for the by-elections was recorded at 38.51%, compared to a turnout of 50.47% in the 2022 elections for the 250 wards of the MCD.