The results of the high-stakes Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) by-elections are set to be declared today, December 3, 2025, with the counting of votes for 12 wards now underway. This electoral exercise is widely seen as a critical litmus test for Delhi's major political players—the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Congress—ahead of future contests.
A Crucial Political Barometer for Delhi
The bypolls, held on November 30, 2025, carry significant weight for all parties involved. For the BJP, this is the first major electoral challenge following its historic victory in the Delhi Assembly polls in February. Retaining these seats is crucial to maintaining its dominance in the 250-member MCD House, where it currently holds 116 councillors.
For the AAP, which has 99 councillors, and the Congress, with 8, the bypolls represent a vital opportunity to regain lost political ground and influence in the capital's civic affairs. The seats became vacant after the incumbent councillors were elected to the Delhi Assembly and the Parliament.
By the Numbers: Polling and Participation
The voting took place across 580 polling booths in the 12 wards. A total of 51 candidates were in the fray, with a notable representation of 26 women candidates. The final voter turnout, recorded until 5:30 PM on polling day, stood at 38.51 per cent.
Among the wards, Chandni Mahal witnessed the highest participation, with a turnout of 55.93 per cent. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta cast her vote and later urged citizens to exercise their franchise. She emphasized that voting enables people to choose their suitable representative and helps accelerate Delhi's development momentum.
Stakes and Expectations as Counting Progresses
As the counting process begins, all eyes are on the outcome which will offer a fresh snapshot of the political mood in the national capital. The results will indicate whether the BJP can consolidate its position, or if the opposition parties have managed to make inroads. The performance will also set the tone for the political strategies leading up to the next full MCD election.
The current composition of the MCD House includes the BJP with 116 seats, AAP with 99, the Indraprastha Vikas Party with 15, and the Congress with 8. The results from these 12 wards, while not enough to alter the majority, hold immense symbolic value and can shift political narratives.
The day promises to deliver crucial insights into Delhi's evolving political landscape, with the final results eagerly awaited by parties and analysts alike.
