Counting is underway for the by-elections in 12 wards of Delhi MCD. This is a high-stakes contest for BJP, AAP, and Congress. Special attention is on Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B wards. The results will indicate the political power dynamics in Delhi.
Delhi MCD By Election Result: The wait for the results of the by-elections held in 12 wards of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) is about to end. Counting is underway in all these wards, and the political atmosphere has been intensely charged since morning. These by-elections are considered nothing less than a litmus test for the capital's three major parties—BJP, AAP, and Congress. The results will not only indicate local politics but also the credibility and hold of these parties in Delhi.
This is the first major electoral contest in Delhi taking place after the assembly elections. Therefore, it will be interesting to see which party the people of Delhi place their trust in and whose grip weakens.
Significance of Voting in 12 Wards
Voting for the 12 MCD wards took place on November 30. Of these, 9 wards were held by the BJP, while the remaining wards were with the AAP. Congress is trying to regain its lost ground this time.
The counting of votes is being conducted amidst stringent security arrangements. The Delhi State Election Commission has made special preparations for this, ensuring adequate staff and resources are available at all centers.
For the counting of votes in these 12 wards, 10 special centers have been established in Kanjhawala, Pitampura, Bharat Nagar, Civil Lines, Rouse Avenue, Dwarka, Najafgarh, Gole Market, Pushp Vihar, and Mandawali. Robust security arrangements have been made at each center.
Vote Counting Amidst Tight Security
Approximately 1,800 Delhi Police personnel have been deployed for security during the vote counting. Additionally, 10 companies of paramilitary forces are also stationed. Around 700 staff members are directly involved in the counting process. All necessary facilities have been provided for candidates and their authorized agents to ensure a transparent and smooth process.
The voter turnout was 38.51%, which is significantly lower compared to the MCD 2022 elections. In 2022, the voter turnout for elections in 250 wards was 50.47%. This clearly indicates that public participation in this by-election was somewhat weaker. Nevertheless, the results are politically very significant.
Eyes on Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B Wards
Two wards are at the center of this election—Shalimar Bagh B and Dwarka B.
The Shalimar Bagh B ward became vacant because its former councilor, Rekha Gupta, became Chief Minister after winning the assembly elections. Her victory led to the vacancy of this seat, necessitating a by-election.
On the other hand, Dwarka B ward is also significant because BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat previously served as a municipal councilor from here. Thus, this ward is considered a matter of prestige for the BJP.
BJP's Prestige, AAP and Congress's Challenge for Revival
These by-elections are a high-stakes contest for the BJP. The BJP had achieved a historic victory in the assembly elections, and now, for the first time, it faces the public's mood to see if their trust remains intact.
On the other hand, both AAP and Congress are trying to regain their lost influence in Delhi. AAP had previously performed bly in the municipal corporation elections, but the BJP's victory in the assembly elections has posed a new challenge for it. Congress had also almost faded in previous elections, so for them, these by-elections are about survival.
