As vote counting commenced for the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from the Greater Kailash constituency, Saurabh Bhardwaj, expressed confidence that his party would secure a comfortable majority and form the government once again.
Speaking to mediapersons on Saturday, Bhardwaj stated, “Arvind Kejriwal will become the CM for the fourth time. In most exit polls, AAP has less vote share, because the poor people don't say anything about their vote. They go to polling stations and vote as per their will. The exit polls will be proven wrong as AAP is going to form the govt this time as well...”
Earlier in the day, Bhardwaj visited the Kalkaji temple to offer prayers ahead of the election results. "Whatever happens, now it is in the hands of the mother goddess," he remarked.
Bhardwaj exuded optimism, asserting that his party would secure at least 40 to 45 seats in the 70-member assembly.
"Every attempt was made to remove AAP from government, but the public's blessings are with the AAP. I believe that the public is going to make Arvind Kejriwal the CM for the fourth time. In a few days, he will take oath as the CM," he stated.
His BJP rival, Shikha Rai, also visited the Kalkaji temple, expressing confidence in her victory. “I have come here to take the blessings of Maa Kalka. I am confident about my victory,” she said.
The counting process began under stringent security measures. The initial stage involves counting postal ballots, followed by the opening of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 am.
Also read: BJP gains early lead as counting begins for Delhi Assembly election
Polling for the 70-seat assembly took place on 5 February, recording a voter turnout of 60.54 per cent.
The AAP is seeking a third consecutive term, while the BJP is striving to reclaim power after more than two decades.
Exit polls released earlier indicated a potential edge for the BJP, but AAP leaders have dismissed these projections, citing historical underestimation of their support.
The BJP’s campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticised the AAP over alleged governance lapses, including the condition of the Yamuna River and the renovation of Kejriwal’s residence. Modi used terms like "Aapda" and "Sheesh Mahal" to target the AAP leader.
Conversely, the AAP highlighted its achievements in education during its eleven-year tenure. Kejriwal asserted that the BJP would halt free education schemes if it came to power.
Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, also campaigned aggressively, criticising AAP over its alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy "scam" case.
Key constituencies to watch include New Delhi, where Kejriwal is contesting against Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and BJP’s Parvesh Verma.
Another crucial seat is Kalkaji, where Delhi Chief Minister Atishi faces challenges from BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress candidate Alka Lamba.
While AAP dominated the last two assembly elections, the BJP is seeking to disrupt its stronghold and stage a political comeback in the capital.
Also read: Delhi Election Results Live: Counting Begins, AAP Stalwarts Trail
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