60% plus vote in close elections in Delhi |
In a stellar largely peaceful election on February 7 in the capital of Delhi for the state Assembly, 12 million voters cast their ballot in yet another thumping monstration of Indian democracy. Delhi records 55.68% voting till 4 pm. While the Chief Election Commissioner of India, H C Brahma expected a 70% turnout, the average voting percentage was higher than 60% in Delhi near the closing of polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s BJP party, street activist and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejrival`s Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress are vying for power. Whilst just a local election, it had all the drama, political power, punch and more symbolic of the most watched and closely followed election process in India and around the world. The election is literally seen as a test of Modi`s performance and popularity, 8 months after he stunned the world by steering the BJP to a clear majority in the Parliamentary elections in May 2014. Modi tweeted urging voters, especially the youth, to go out in large numbers and vote for a stable govt in Delhi. The verdict can hardly be pronounced on perhaps the toughest battle for the BJP against challenger AAP. BJP pitched old Kejrival associate and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi. Though, she is not credited with having made as big a dent as she hould have. BJP insiders feel that a loss could be blamed on leaving out the guard that as recently as November 13 had delivered the single largest position to the party. Kejrival is claiming and counting on lack of performance and waning influence of BJP with a significant vote bank belonging to the economically weaker section that lives in Delhi. Results will be out February 10, and India watchers are anxious for the verdict.
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