KKN Gurugram Desk | Over 60.42% of Delhi’s 1.56 crore eligible voters participated in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, electing representatives for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. The turnout is lower than previous years, marking the lowest voter participation since 2008, when only 57.8% of voters had exercised their franchise.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that these figures are provisional and may be revised in the coming days. The three key political contenders in the elections are Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. The polling process was peaceful, and the final results will be declared on February 8, 2025. If any party secures a clear majority, the new government will be formed by February 11.

Voter Turnout Trends: A Declining Pattern Since 2015

Delhi’s voter turnout in 2025 continues the declining trend witnessed in previous elections:

• 2008: 57.8%
• 2013: 66%
• 2015: 67.5% (Highest voter turnout in Delhi’s history)
• 2020: 62.8% (5% drop from 2015)
• 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: 58.6%
• 2025: 60.42%

Compared to the 2024 General Elections, which recorded a 58.6% turnout in Delhi, the assembly elections witnessed a marginal increase of 1.8%. However, compared to previous Delhi Assembly elections, the numbers indicate decreasing voter enthusiasm.

According to ECI Director Anuj Chandak, voter turnout figures are subject to updates as officials complete statutory paperwork, verify records, and consider possible re-polling in certain booths.

Why Was Delhi’s Voter Turnout Lower Than Expected?

Delhi is known for its politically aware and active electorate. However, this year’s turnout was lower than anticipated. Election officials believe that several political and environmental factors might have contributed to the reduced voter participation:

1. Voter Fatigue:
   • Delhi has witnessed multiple elections in recent years, including municipal, assembly, and parliamentary elections, which might have led to diminished interest among voters.
2. Weather Conditions:
   • Polling day started with a cold morning, leading to lower voter turnout in early hours. However, queues increased post 9 AM, particularly in outer Delhi regions.
3. Lack of Enthusiasm for Candidates:
   • The absence of fresh faces and the dominance of established political figures may have led to apathy among voters, especially youth and first-time voters.
4. Dissatisfaction with Political Parties:
   • Several reports indicate that voters were not entirely satisfied with the governance of any party, leading to lower participation.

Despite the lower turnout, voting was conducted peacefully across all 70 constituencies with no reports of violence.

Key Battlegrounds: Highest & Lowest Voter Turnout Constituencies

Delhi witnessed varying levels of voter participation across constituencies. As per the initial data, here are the constituencies with highest and lowest turnouts:

Highest Voter Turnout Constituencies:

1. Mustafabad – 69%
   • A Muslim-dominated constituency, Mustafabad saw higher voter participation than the 66.8% recorded in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, turnout was 1.8% lower than 2020, which had recorded 70.8% voting.
2. Seelampur – 68.7%
   • This constituency also witnessed strong voter turnout, showing continued political engagement.
3. Seemapuri (Reserved Constituency) – 65.3%
   • A historically high-turnout seat, Seemapuri maintained its strong voter participation.

Lowest Voter Turnout Constituencies:

1. Mehrauli – 53%
   • This South Delhi seat had the lowest participation, indicating urban voter apathy.
2. Model Town – 53.4%
   • A sharp drop from previous elections, Model Town saw one of the lowest turnouts in 2025 elections.

Polling data suggests that urban and posh localities had lower voter engagement, whereas working-class and minority-dominated areas recorded higher turnout.

AAP vs BJP vs Congress: What Was at Stake?

The 2025 Delhi Assembly elections witnessed a triangular contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress. Each party focused on different voter bases and promises:

AAP’s Key Campaign Promises:

• Seeking a third consecutive term, AAP highlighted its work in education, healthcare, water, and power subsidies.
• The party continued free electricity and water schemes and provided free bus rides for women.
• Promised new welfare initiatives targeting senior citizens, women, and the working class.

BJP’s Election Strategy:

• After being out of power in Delhi for 26 years, BJP promised continuity of welfare schemes along with new economic and development plans.
• Pitched the double-engine government concept, ensuring better coordination with the central government for infrastructure projects.
• Focused on law and order, pollution control, and urban development.

Congress’ Approach:

• Highlighted its development record under Sheila Dikshit (1998-2013).
• Proposed free schemes for different social and economic groups.
• Attempted to regain lost ground among working-class and minority voters.

The high-stakes battle will be decided once the votes are counted on February 8.

How the Day Unfolded: Hourly Voter Turnout Trends

Polling began at 7 AM, and voting patterns evolved throughout the day:

• 8 AM: 8.1% votes cast
• 11 AM: 20% turnout
• 1 PM: 33.3% voter participation
• 3 PM: 46.5% votes cast
• 5 PM: 57.7% turnout, with one hour remaining

Evening hours saw longer queues in outer Delhi regions, which slightly boosted the final turnout figures.

ECI ensured that voters who reached polling booths before the official closing time received slips, allowing them to cast their votes beyond the deadline.

Key Candidates in the Fray

Several prominent leaders contested the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, including:

• AAP: Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Imran Hussain, Mukesh Ahlawat, Raghuvinder Shokeen
• BJP: Vijender Gupta, Ramesh Bidhuri, Parvesh Verma
• Congress: Delhi Congress Chief Devender Yadav, Sandeep Dikshit, Haroon Yusuf
• Former Ministers: Kailash Gahlot, Raaj Kumar Anand, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Rajkumar Chauhan

With these heavyweights contesting in crucial constituencies, the results on February 8 will determine Delhi’s next political roadmap.

Peaceful Elections with ECI Oversight

The Election Commission of India ensured a smooth and transparent voting process across Delhi.

• Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar monitored the election with senior officials Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.
• No cases of violence were reported from any polling station.
• Voters appreciated the seamless experience at polling booths.

Election officials are now preparing for the vote counting process, ensuring that all electronic voting machines (EVMs) are secured.

The vote counting will take place on February 8, and if a party secures a clear majority, the new government will be formed by February 11.

As Delhi awaits its next leadership, the results will reveal whether BJP’s comeback succeeds, AAP retains power, or Congress revives its past glory.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Delhi Elections 2025, including results from key constituencies such as Kalkaji, Karol Bagh, Tilak Nagar, New Delhi, Laxmi Nagar, Badarpur, Ghonda, Krishna Nagar, Model Town, Rithala, Trilokpuri, Najafgarh, and Matia Mahal.