As the counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections began on Saturday, political tensions escalated with BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal taking a sharp dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. Khandelwal claimed that the people of Delhi would “take revenge” on Kejriwal through their votes, expressing confidence in a BJP victory.
“The public of Delhi will take revenge on Arvind Kejriwal. It is our promise to the people of Delhi that we will write a new history in Delhi… They have been the machine of lies. After losing the elections, Arvind Kejriwal will level accusations on EVMs and the Election Commission,” Khandelwal said while speaking to ANI.
BJP Eyes Comeback, AAP Aims for Third Term
BJP’s candidate from the New Delhi constituency, Parvesh Verma, echoed similar sentiments, calling it an “important day for the people of Delhi” and expressing hope for a BJP government. Verma, who is contesting against Kejriwal and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, offered prayers at the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place before counting began.
The elections, held on February 5, saw a voter turnout of 60.54%. The AAP, which has ruled Delhi for the past 11 years, is looking to secure a third consecutive term, while the BJP is aiming to reclaim power after over two decades.
Campaign Highlights and Key Battles
The high-stakes campaign witnessed intense exchanges between the AAP, BJP, and Congress. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted the AAP over alleged mismanagement, including the condition of the Yamuna River and renovations at Kejriwal’s official residence. Modi even used the terms “Aapda” (disaster) and “Sheesh Mahal” (glass palace) to criticize Kejriwal.
In response, the AAP focused on its track record in education and public services, arguing that a BJP victory would mean an end to free education and other welfare schemes. Kejriwal dismissed exit poll predictions favoring the BJP, asserting that AAP would once again emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also took on AAP, accusing Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia of involvement in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
Key Contests to Watch
The most high-profile battle is in New Delhi, where Kejriwal faces BJP’s Parvesh Verma and Congress’s Sandeep Dikshit. Another crucial constituency is Kalkaji, where Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is up against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba.
While the BJP is pushing hard for a comeback, Congress remains on the sidelines, struggling to regain lost ground after failing to secure a single seat in the last two assembly elections.
With early trends expected soon, all eyes are on whether AAP can defy the exit polls and secure another term or if the BJP will stage a historic comeback in the National Capital.