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Delhi votes today: AAP faces crucial test as BJP eyes capital victory

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The stage is set for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, a crucial event that will determine the future of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has ruled the capital for the past two terms. With corruption allegations and political turmoil clouding their tenure, the Delhi elections have become more than just a contest for power—it’s a battle for the political survival of AAP.

1. AAP’s 10-year journey in Delhi politics

For the AAP, a loss in this election would mark a major setback for the party, which has established itself as a formidable political force over the past decade. Winning this election, however, would solidify the party’s position as a serious contender against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the national stage, showing resilience amid accusations and challenges.

2. The BJP’s campaign strategy

The BJP, which has been the opposition in Delhi for over a decade, is putting its faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s powerful election rallies and its extensive party machinery to secure a win. The party is hoping to capitalize on the widespread anti-incumbency sentiment and the corruption charges against the AAP government.

3. The Congress’ Push for a comeback

Meanwhile, the Congress, which has been a marginalized force in Delhi since AAP’s rise, is hoping for a resurgence. After years in the political wilderness, the party is looking to regain lost ground, though experts view their chances as slim compared to the fierce competition between AAP and BJP.

4. AAP’s troubles with corruption allegations

AAP’s tenure has been marred by serious allegations of corruption, especially in relation to the now-scrapped liquor policy. Several prominent leaders, including Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have faced arrest, spending months in jail. Kejriwal, who had to step down as the Chief Minister for a while, has made it clear he won’t return to the post without a “certificate of honesty” from the people.

5. Tensions with the Lieutenant Governor

The AAP government has also been embroiled in repeated confrontations with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, particularly concerning the control over bureaucrats and governance matters. These tensions intensified after the Union government issued an ordinance, giving more power to the LG over the Delhi administration. The controversy has exacerbated AAP’s challenges, with the ruling party accusing the BJP-led Centre of undermining its authority.

6. Legal troubles for key AAP leaders

The arrest of key leaders, such as Sisodia and Kejriwal, has brought intense scrutiny to AAP’s political machinery. While Kejriwal’s time in jail lasted nearly six months, Sisodia spent over 17 months incarcerated. Several other party leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Satyendar Jain, have also faced legal issues, further tarnishing the party’s image.

7. AAP’s rise from the anti-corruption movement

Despite the challenges, AAP’s rise was initially fueled by its anti-corruption message, which resonated with Delhi’s electorate. Backed by the support of social activist Anna Hazare, the party’s first term in office was short-lived, but it managed a spectacular comeback in 2015 after Kejriwal apologized to the people of Delhi, pledging to serve a full term.

8. AAP’s model of governance

In its second term, AAP focused heavily on governance in areas like education and healthcare, which earned the party a reputation for delivering on public services. The success of its “Delhi Model” was highlighted by the party’s growth in other states, including a strong victory in Punjab. AAP’s national aspirations grew, and the party soon earned the label of a national player, challenging the BJP’s dominance.

9. BJP’s allegations against AAP’s “Revdi Culture”

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly accused AAP of fostering a “revdi culture,” where the party hands out freebies to secure votes. Despite these claims, the AAP model, which focuses on essential services, has managed to win considerable support, particularly among lower-income voters.

10. The stakes for AAP and the BJP

With the 2025 Delhi election underway, the stakes are high. For AAP, a third consecutive victory would cement its place in Indian politics and prove its resilience in the face of mounting opposition. For the BJP, a win would signify its resurgence in the national capital, delivering a significant blow to the AAP’s political aspirations. For Congress, this election represents a final attempt to revive its dwindling influence in Delhi.

As polling day arrives, the eyes of the nation are on Delhi, where the future of its political landscape will be determined in the coming hours.

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DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead

A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.

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DMK leader

A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.

Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.

Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.

Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.

Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.

Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.

A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.

Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.

Police said the probe is ongoing.

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Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

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Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

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JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

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JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

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