Delhi Elections Highlights: The 27-day campaign for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections witnessed an intense contest between the AAP, BJP, and Congress, each sparring over a range of issues, including the “Sheesh Mahal vs Rajmahal” debate, the “poisonous Yamuna,” and a series of personal jabs. Parties engaged in public meetings, rallies, roadshows, and padyatras immediately after the poll schedule was announced on January 7. Key political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, took center stage in the battle for power in the national capital. Delhi will go to polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
Delhi Elections: Delhi all set for a triangular contest between Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, BJP and Congress on February 8.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Kejriwal alleges BJP may tamper with 10% of votes
As Delhi gears up for the assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has raised concerns over alleged voting discrepancies. In a video released on Monday, Kejriwal claimed he had received information suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could manipulate 10% of the votes through electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Addressing voters, Kejriwal urged Delhiites to turn out in overwhelming numbers to counter any alleged tampering. “I have learned from sources that BJP may create discrepancies in 10% of the votes using machines. The only way to combat this is to vote in massive numbers, ensuring every vote goes to ‘jhaadu’ (AAP’s election symbol). If we maintain a 15% lead, even with manipulation, we will still secure a 5% victory,” he said.
He further emphasised that learning from past elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, AAP had developed a dedicated website to monitor voting machines and ensure electoral transparency.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Major clean-up operation begins in Delhi
With the Delhi Assembly elections just days away, the city is witnessing a major clean-up operation. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has removed a staggering 18.82 lakh posters, banners, hoardings, and other political advertisements from across the capital, ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The MCC, which came into effect on January 7 following the Election Commission’s announcement of poll dates, strictly prohibits the display of election-related materials promoting political parties’ achievements. With voting scheduled for February 5 and results to be declared on February 8, authorities have been swift in enforcing the guidelines.
According to official data released by the MCD, the crackdown spanned all 12 zones of the city, with enforcement teams working tirelessly to remove campaign materials from public spaces. As of 5 PM on Monday, nearly 19 lakh political advertisements had been taken down, signaling a decisive effort to maintain fairness in the electoral process.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Kejriwal, Sisodia were involved in corruption,' says Ajay Maken
With Rahul Gandhi ramping up attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Congress leader Ajay Maken has defended the party’s stance, asserting that the focus remains on public issues and allegations of corruption in the liquor policy case.
In an interview with ANI, Maken, who is a Member of Parliament and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer, emphasized that Congress' criticism stems from findings in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which he claims exposes corruption in the AAP government.
The escalating war of words between Congress and AAP has raised eyebrows, given that both parties are allies in the INDIA bloc and had previously contested the Lok Sabha elections together. However, when asked about Rahul Gandhi’s sharp criticism of Kejriwal, Maken dismissed suggestions of personal attacks, stating that the Congress was merely highlighting critical governance issues rather than targeting individuals.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Innocent until proven guilty'
"Innocent until proven guilty"—a phrase that has become the rallying cry for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, his close aide Manish Sisodia, and other jailed leaders like riot-accused Tahir Hussain and Shifa-ur Rehman, as they contest the Delhi elections.
Having spent time behind bars on charges ranging from corruption to riots, these candidates insist they are victims of "politically motivated" cases. Throughout their campaigns, they have portrayed their arrests as attempts to silence them rather than reflections of wrongdoing.
Political analysts argue that a stint in jail does not necessarily tarnish a politician’s popularity. While imprisonment may evoke public sympathy, it doesn’t always guarantee electoral success. As Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, with results set to be declared on February 8, this dynamic will be put to the test.
Arvind Kejriwal, in particular, has doubled down on his innocence, maintaining that the BJP orchestrated his arrest to paint him as a "chor" (thief). Yet, he claims, even his harshest critics do not believe he is corrupt. “There is no proof of what they allege. One is innocent until proven guilty, and they cannot prove it,” he has reiterated, making it a cornerstone of his campaign narrative.
(With inputs from PTI)
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Delhi metro timings on polling day
In view of the upcoming Delhi Assembly Election on Wednesday (February 5) and the vote counting day on Saturday (February 8), Delhi Metro is all set to commence its operations from 4 am onwards from their terminal stations to ensure smooth travel for election staff and officials.
“On the day of Assembly Election in Delhi on 5th February 2025 (Wednesday) and vote counting Day on 8th February, 2025 (Saturday), Delhi Metro train services on all Lines will start from their terminal stations at 04:00 AM so that the staff deployed for election duty can avail the facility,” DMRC said in a statement.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Public holiday declared in Delhi, Haryana on Feb 5
Delhi and Haryana have declared a public holiday on Wednesday, February 5, for the Delhi Elections 2025. Voters in Delhi will cast their ballots to elect the next Chief Minister. Polling will take place from 7 AM to 6 PM and the election results will be announced on February 8.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Swati Maliwal detained while protesting outside Kejriwal's residence
Delhi Police on Monday detained Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal as she staged a protest outside Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, highlighting the government's failure to clean the Yamuna River. Maliwal, joined by a group of women from Purvanchal, carried water collected from the polluted river to Kejriwal’s residence, accusing him of ignoring its deteriorating condition.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Around 150 people have joined AAP'
BJP candidate from Malviya Nagar assembly constituency Satish Upadhyay says, "Around 150 people from AAP have joined BJP after seeing the corruption there...They have lost their trust in the party and this is the reason they are leaving the party..."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Delhi elections live
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds roadshow in Kotla Mubarakpur on last day of campaigning.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: AAP on spy cameras
With two days remaining before the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday that his party has distributed spy and body cameras to residents in slum areas to document alleged "wrongdoings" and "electoral malpractices" by the BJP and its supporters.
In a video message released on the final day of campaigning ahead of the February 5 polls, Kejriwal claimed AAP is on track for a historic victory, while predicting the BJP would face its worst defeat. He accused the BJP of resorting to "unfair tactics" in response.
"We have given spy cameras and body cameras to people in slum areas to record the misdeeds of BJP's supporters. Additionally, we have set up multiple Quick Response Teams (QRTs) that will respond within 15 minutes to prevent illegal activities and ensure those responsible are arrested," Kejriwal said.
The AAP chief also alleged that the BJP would rely on its supporters and the Delhi Police to intimidate voters, particularly in slum areas.time, a total of 33,434 individuals were arrested under various legal provisions, including those related to the Excise Act, the statement added.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Over 1,000 MCC cases lodged for Delhi polls
More than 1,000 cases of suspected violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have been filed in the lead-up to the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, an official reported on Monday. The cases were registered between January 7, when the MCC took effect, and February 2. During this time, a total of 33,434 individuals were arrested under various legal provisions, including those related to the Excise Act, the statement added.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Talkatora Stadium would be renamed after Maharishi Valmiki'
BJP's New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma announced on the final day of campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections that the Talkatora Stadium would be renamed after Maharishi Valmiki if the party wins.
Speaking at a press conference, Verma said the proposal would be presented in the first meeting of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) after February 8. If approved, the new name would be officially adopted.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Budget statement of betrayal by Modi govt'
CPI-M leader Brinda Karat says, "This budget is nothing but a statement of betrayal by the Modi Government. They haven't spent what they said they would... The food subsidy was underspent. This government preferred to give concessions to the rich, rather than spend for the poor... At a time when India is one of the most unequal countries in the world, this government has refused to tax the wealthy..."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Naidu says Delhi has had a 'half-engine sarkar'
In a critical remark aimed at the AAP government, Naidu described Delhi as having a "half-engine sarkar" and called for a "double-engine sarkar" to drive the city's development forward. He stressed that performance and improved living standards were becoming more important than ideological debates, highlighting the plight of the poor in Delhi. "People living in slums must ask themselves whether they want to stay there permanently," he said. Naidu, whose TDP party is a key ally of the NDA government at the Centre, also expressed his support for the 2025 Budget, praising its vision to make India a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. " We are in agreement with them. We are happy. It syncs with our 10 principles of growth," he added.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Parliament debate on Budget 2025 to begin today
In the run up to the Delhi polls, the debate on the Union Budget for 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will begin today, with both Houses of Parliament discussing the Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: AAP dismisses BJP's corruption allegations against Somnath Bharti, Sairam Pehalwan
The drama around Delhi Elections keeps intensifying everyday, as is expected. The BJP on Sunday accused AAP MLAs Somnath Bharti and Sahiram Pehalwan of corruption. In response, AAP dismissed the allegations, calling them the BJP's fresh attempt to "defame" its leaders. Bharti faces accusations of attempting to interfere with an investigation into a land-grabbing case, while Pehalwan is accused of accepting bribes to permit the operation of robotics classes in government schools.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Haryana Declares Paid Holiday on February 5 for Delhi Polls
The Haryana government on Sunday announced a paid holiday on February 5 for all public offices, academic institutions, boards, and corporations to facilitate voting in the Delhi Assembly elections. The decision will enable state government employees who are registered voters in Delhi to exercise their franchise.
As per an official statement, the provision falls under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (amended in 1996). Employees of factories, shops, and private establishments in Haryana who are registered voters of Delhi are also entitled to a paid leave for voting.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Sambit Patra Accuses AAP MLA of Influencing Land Grab Probe
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Sunday accused AAP MLA Somnath Bharti of attempting to influence an investigation into a land grab case in south Delhi, a charge the legislator strongly denied.
Speaking at a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, Patra played a purported audio clip, alleging that Bharti, the AAP MLA from Malviya Nagar, pressured an investigating officer to let an accused go free and destroy evidence in exchange for a bribe.
Bharti, in turn, hit back at the BJP, rejecting the allegations and instead accusing a BJP MP of involvement in the land grab case.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Kejriwal Alleges BJP ‘Hooliganism,’ Demands Special Observers
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday urged the Election Commission to deploy special observers in his New Delhi constituency, accusing the BJP of engaging in "hooliganism" just days ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls.
The BJP swiftly countered Kejriwal’s allegations, claiming that his remarks stem from a fear of defeat in the February 5 elections, which has affected his "language and mental condition."
In a high-stakes triangular contest, the former Delhi chief minister is facing BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit in the New Delhi constituency.
PTI
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: ‘Wherever I go, I see enthusiasm for the NDA and BJP, says Chirag Paswan
Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday expressed confidence in the BJP’s chances of winning the upcoming Delhi Assembly election, pointing to rising public resentment against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Addressing an election rally in Mangolpuri for BJP candidate Raj Kumar Chauhan, the Hajipur MP and leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)—an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—said he has witnessed strong public support for the BJP across the city.
"Wherever I go, I see enthusiasm for the NDA and the BJP, while discontent with AAP is growing," Paswan remarked. "This clearly indicates that, when results are announced on February 8, the BJP will form the government in Delhi."
PTI
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: ‘Most Middle-Class Friendly Budget in History’ says, PM Modi in RK Puram rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Union Budget as the "most middle-class friendly budget in India's history," asserting that it has brought cheer to every average household. Speaking at an election rally in RK Puram as the Delhi Assembly poll campaign enters its final phase, Modi reiterated his slogan of "Modi ki guarantee" and highlighted the pro-middle-class measures in the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday.
He emphasised that never before since Independence have individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually received such significant relief, calling it an unprecedented step for the middle class. With just three days left until the February 5 elections, Modi also praised the middle class for its contribution to national progress, stating that the BJP respects honest taxpayers, and the Budget reflects this commitment.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Priyanka Gandhi addresses rally in Seemapuri
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a public gathering in Seemapuri. She said, "This is the capital of the country, the heart of the nation. It’s one of the largest cities in the world, with people coming here from across the country in search of a better future. Your ancestors fought for our freedom, and it is still the sons of farmers who protect this country. This nation belongs to you. You built it, and it will remain strong only when the people are empowered. If they are ignored and weakened, the country cannot progress."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: UK CM participates in meeting
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a public meeting organised in support of BJP candidate Shailendra from Burari assembly constituency in the Delhi Assembly elections in Burari Delhi. Delhi goes to polls on Feb 5
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: 'Most middle class Budget,' says PM
During an election rally in RK Puram, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed his campaign slogan, "Modi ki guarantee," while emphasizing the Budget’s provisions aimed at benefiting the middle class. He said the relief provided to individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually, stating, "Never before in India's history have those with such earnings received this level of relief. The middle class is calling this the most favourable Budget for them."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Mallikarju Kharge constitutes special panel
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has constituted an Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts (EAGLE) with immediate effect, comprising Ajay Maken, Digvijaya Singh, Abhishek Singhvi, Praveen Chakravarty, Pawan Khera, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, Nitin Raut, Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy, to monitor the conduct of free and fair elections by the Election Commission of India.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Amit Shah posts pictures of meeting Delhi people
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on X, "Met a delegation from 360 villages of Delhi rural. Arvind Kejriwal only lied and deceived the people of Delhi's rural areas. Only Modi ji, who comes from a poor family, can solve the problems of Delhi's rural areas. The people of these 360 villages and 36 communities, troubled by AAP-da, have given their full support to BJP."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: PM Modi on 'AAP-da'
"'Hum dekh rahe hain ki voting se pehale hi, jhadu ke tinke bikhar rahe hain' (the straws of the broom are scattering')... Leaders of 'AAP-da' are leaving it, they know that people are angry with 'AAP-da', they (people) hate this party." - PM Modi in RK Puram.
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: PM Modi in RK Puram rally
At Delhi's RK Puram election campaign, PM Modi says, "With the arrival of Basant Panchami - the weather starts to change. In Delhi, on February 5, 'vikas ka naya Basant aane wala hai' - this time BJP govt is going to form in Delhi..."
Delhi Elections LIVE updates: Kejriwal accuses BJP workers of attacking party supporters
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused BJP workers of attacking his party’s supporters ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections and has called on the Election Commission to appoint independent observers in his New Delhi constituency.
In a letter to the Election Commission, Kejriwal also demanded the arrest of BJP workers allegedly involved in the attacks and the suspension of police officers linked to the incidents.
The former Delhi chief minister cited specific cases of alleged violence against AAP workers, including an assault on AAP MLA Mohinder Goyal during a public rally in the Rohini area on Saturday. Goyal, who is contesting from the Rithala Assembly seat, was reportedly attacked while engaging with local residents in Sector 11’s Pocket H.