New Delhi, February 5 (PTI) – As polling kicked off for the Delhi Assembly elections on Wednesday, several high-profile figures were among the early voters, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated electoral process.
President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi were among the first to cast their votes, setting an example for the city's 1.56 crore eligible voters.
Other notable leaders who participated in the early voting included Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, and Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer R. Alice Vaz.
Prominent candidates also exercised their right to vote, including AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj, who is contesting from Greater Kailash, BJP's Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar, Congress' Sandeep Dikshit from New Delhi, and AAP's Alka Lamba, who is contesting from Kalkaji.
After casting his vote, LG Saxena described the day as "a festival of democracy," urging all Delhiites to participate actively. “Today is a day of duty, not a holiday,” he emphasized.
Union Minister S. Jaishankar, a regular early voter, said, “The people are in a mood for change.”
Delhi CM Atishi, who is contesting from Kalkaji, visited the Kalkaji temple for prayers before voting. Speaking to reporters, she described the election as “a battle between good and evil, a battle between work and hooliganism.”
Manish Sisodia, AAP’s candidate from Jangpura, appealed to voters to prioritize "better education, better health, and better facilities" for a brighter future. "I have cast my vote for a better Delhi and better lives for the people," he said.
With a triangular contest between the ruling AAP, BJP, and Congress, the elections are drawing intense attention. AAP, seeking a third consecutive term, faces competition from both BJP and Congress, who are hoping for a resurgence in the national capital.
Polling is taking place across 13,766 stations in the 70 assembly constituencies, where 699 candidates are vying for votes. The results will be declared on February 8.
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