NEW DELHI (AP) — Vote counting commenced early Saturday in the crucial state legislature election in India’s federal territory, which includes New Delhi. TV exit polls suggested a potential victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is known for its Hindu nationalist stance.
More than 15 million eligible voters participated in the election on Wednesday, with turnout exceeding 60%. The BJP was projected to secure a majority in the 70-member assembly of India's capital, facing off against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a local political party led by Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP currently administers New Delhi and has garnered significant support through its welfare initiatives and an anti-corruption agenda.
Initial counting trends revealed that the BJP was leading in over 40 seats, which is notable as the party has not won this territory, which houses approximately 20 million people, in more than 25 years. However, it is worth noting that exit polls in India have had inconsistent accuracy due to the country's diverse voting demographics.
In the previous national election, the BJP failed to achieve a majority on its own but managed to form a government with the help of coalition partners. They have regained some momentum by winning two state elections in northern Haryana and western Maharashtra. This election is critical for the BJP, as they seek to reclaim influence in the capital after a long absence.
Both Modi and Kejriwal made significant promises during their campaigns, offering to reform government schools, provide free health services, ensure electricity access, and introduce a monthly stipend exceeding 2,000 rupees (approximately $25) for impoverished women. These proposals aim to resonate with the electorate, particularly in light of the recent federal budget that reduced income taxes for the salaried middle class, a key demographic for the BJP.
In the last state legislature election in 2020, the AAP achieved a decisive victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, leaving the BJP with a mere eight and the Congress party with none. The BJP's decline in Delhi began when it was ousted from power in 1998 by the Congress party, which then governed for 15 years.
The outcome of this election is of paramount importance for both parties, as it could reshape the political landscape in New Delhi and indicate the overall popularity of the parties ahead of upcoming national elections. The stakes are particularly high for Modi's BJP as they aim to regain their foothold in a region long dominated by the AAP, which has proven effective in local governance and public welfare policies.
