Delhi: MCD bypolls record 31.13% turnout till 4pm
What's the story
Voting for the by-elections in 12 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) wards began on Sunday at 7:30am. The polls are being held across 580 booths and will continue till 5:30pm. The State Election Commission has reported a voter turnout of around 31.13% till 4pm. Sangam Vihar-A has recorded the highest turnout at nearly 29.5%, while Greater Kailash has the lowest at about 13.92%.
Security measures
Tight security and tech-enabled monitoring for Delhi bypolls
The Delhi State Election Commission has deployed over 2,300 polling personnel, supported by 2,265 additional staff, 580 Home Guards, and 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces. Real-time webcasting is being used at polling stations to ensure transparency. Each ward has a Model Polling Booth and a 'Pink Booth', staffed entirely by women, to encourage inclusive voting.
Political appeals
Leaders urge voter participation in Delhi bypolls
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta voted at Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Shalimar Bagh. She urged residents to vote responsibly for strong democratic representation. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal also appealed to voters on the social media platform X. The bypolls are a key political test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and AAP after the recent assembly elections.
Political significance
Bypolls significant for BJP, AAP
The bypolls are especially important for both the BJP and AAP. The BJP had won a landslide victory in the assembly elections earlier this year, while the AAP is looking to recover from its recent defeat. Nine of the 12 wards were previously held by the BJP and three by the AAP. The results of these bypolls will be declared on December 3.