After a slow start in the first two hours of polling, voter turnout in the single-phase Delhi Assembly elections reached 33.31% by 1 PM on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The ECI reported that among the districts in the national capital, the highest turnout was observed in the North East district, which saw a participation rate of 24.87%. Following closely was the Shahdara district with a turnout of 23.30%. In contrast, the Central district had the lowest participation at just 16.46%.

Other districts displayed varying turnout rates as well. The South West district recorded 21.90% voter turnout, while New Delhi followed with 16.80%. East Delhi reported a turnout of 20.03%, North Delhi saw 18.63%, North West and South districts both recorded 19.75%, South East reached 19.66%, and West Delhi reported a turnout of 17.67%. These figures were noted as of 11 AM on polling day.

In addition to the assembly elections in Delhi, bye-elections were also taking place in other regions. The Milkipur assembly constituency recorded a turnout of 29.86% in its bye-election, and the Erode (East) constituency in Tamil Nadu had an attendance rate of 26.03% by 11 AM.

Polling for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi coincided with by-polls for two other seats—one each in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The voting process commenced at 7:00 AM, allowing citizens to cast their ballots amid strict security protocols enforced across all polling locations.

Among the key constituencies being contested in Delhi are New Delhi, Jangpura, Kalkaji, Okhla, Mustafabad, Bijwasan, Kasturba Nagar, Greater Kailash, and Patparganj. The turnout figures highlight the varying levels of voter engagement across the capital, reflecting a snapshot of the electoral participation on this significant day.

On Wednesday, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the Delhi Police had erected barricades 200 meters away from polling stations in areas dominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), hindering vehicle access.

Bharadwaj highlighted specific locations like Chirag Delhi, where motorcycles, scooters, and cars were prohibited from approaching polling booths.

He expressed concern on X, questioning how elderly and disabled voters would be able to walk such a distance to cast their ballots. Bharadwaj also urged the Election Commission and the Delhi Police to clarify the legal basis for this enforcement.

With approximately 1.56 crore eligible voters in Delhi, the election features a competitive battle among AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is determined to regain power after more than 25 years. Meanwhile, the Congress, which governed Delhi for 15 years until 2013, is seeking a resurgence after failing to secure a single seat in the previous two elections.

Speaking to reporters, the AAP candidate for the Greater Kailash Assembly seat stated, “You’ve been here since morning trying to influence the elections. Why have the barricades been set up? Which senior officer from the Delhi Police authorized this? This is all aimed at disrupting the local villagers. The Malviya Nagar ACP and SHO are openly carrying out these actions wherever AAP has a strong presence.”

“Last night, the SHO even conducted a raid on our private premises. In this area, 21,000 people are expected to vote, yet the police are imposing restrictions at all 17-18 polling booths in Chirag Delhi. Voters are unable to reach the polling stations either by metro or by road. Did Virendra Sachdeva or President Murmu have to walk 200 meters from their vehicles to vote? There are no clear guidelines on this,” he added.

A total of 699 candidates are contesting in the elections, with both the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress fielding 70 candidates each, while the BJP has put forward 68 candidates and allocated two seats to its allies, JD(U) and LJP. In the key New Delhi constituency, where AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is vying to maintain his position, the BJP and Congress have nominated the sons of former Chief Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh and Sandeep Dikshit, respectively.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appealed to the Delhi voters to cast their votes responsibly and said that while voting, remember who is responsible for polluted air, dirty water, and broken roads in the capital.

As voting for the 70 Assembly seats kicked off earlier today, Gandhi took to X and said, “Every vote you give to Congress will protect your rights, strengthen the Constitution and put Delhi back on the path of progress.”

“While voting, remember who is responsible for polluted air, dirty water, broken roads. Who committed the biggest scam in Delhi while talking about doing clean politics?” he added.

Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, running against Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, called on Delhi residents to vote in large numbers to safeguard their rights.

As polling continues until 6 PM, the election is proving to be a tense affair, with the three major parties—AAP, BJP, and Congress—making their cases for leadership in the national capital.

Earlier in the day, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged Delhi voters to recognize the crucial role of their votes in determining the city’s future. He stated, “Hooliganism will lose, and Delhi will win.”

In a message shared on X, Kejriwal emphasized, “Your vote is more than just a button; it is the cornerstone of a bright future for your children. It provides an opportunity for good schools, excellent healthcare, and a dignified life for every family.” His appeal coincided with the start of voting for the Delhi assembly elections.

With around 1.56 crore registered voters, this election is under close scrutiny, as it has the potential to shape Delhi’s governance moving forward.

In his appeal, Kejriwal stressed the moral and political importance of the election, urging citizens to favour “truth, development, and honesty” instead of “politics of lies, hatred, and fear.” He encouraged voters not only to cast their own votes but also to motivate friends, family, and neighbours to do the same.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi joined in the call for voter engagement, characterizing the election as a struggle between good and evil. “This is a contest between hard work and hooliganism,” she stated, motivating citizens to vote for progress and “goodness.”

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva also appealed to voters, asking them to support his party’s vision of a “clean, well-governed, and prosperous” Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He urged citizens to vote for the BJP’s lotus symbol, highlighting the need to bolster the “double-engine government” for Delhi’s future development.

Polling is taking place at 13,766 stations across Delhi’s 70 assembly constituencies, determining the fate of 699 candidates, with results set to be announced on February 8.