The Delhi Assembly elections turned out to be full of tension in a number of polling stations. On the election day, it was not uncommon to find supporters and members of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in scuffles on the streets. Preliminary reports suggested that voting was slow because of the chill in the air, but later several lines became common outside most polling booths.
Several locations had long queues, especially at Jungpura, where the process was reportedly disrupted by BJP workers. Former Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other AAP party workers were also seen trying to regulate the process, which was reported to clash with BJP activists. AAP reportedly claimed that a few BJP workers intimidated polling officers to influence the voting process. Some reports claimed that women in burqas were allegedly casting multiple votes on behalf of others, a situation that raised controversy and allegations of fraud.
The situation escalated in places like Gandhi Nagar, where the BJP raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the polling process. AAP members responded by accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the outcome through unfair means. Moreover, a significant controversy emerged over the alleged lack of lighting at polling booths in parts of Chirag Delhi, with accusations that the voting machines were tampered with during the evening hours.
Election-related tensions also flared in areas such as Kalkaji, where police had to step in and restore order due to a reported obstruction of few booths by the BJP supporters against the voters not being able to cast their ballot. Despite that, exit polls conducted after the voting showed BJP with an edge in the elections of Delhi.
However, results from neighboring states, such as Haryana, indicated a strong performance from the Congress party. Exit polls there showed Congress regaining ground, leaving many to question the national implications of the Delhi elections.
Meanwhile, in regions like Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh and East Erode in Tamil Nadu, key figures like Arvind Kejriwal, who was competing with his family in the Delhi constituency, were also involved in campaigning. Kejriwal was spotted at a polling booth in Leedirwin School with his father, Gobindram Kejriwal, mother Geetadevi, wife Sunita, and son Pulkit. The BJP's Sahib Singh was also seen campaigning in the region with his family. Similarly, Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi campaigned in the region and were visible at the polling stations. These developments illustrate the charged atmosphere surrounding the Delhi elections and the broader political landscape. Despite the controversies and challenges, the election proceeded, with key political leaders from both parties aiming to secure a victory in what was expected to be a closely contested battle.