The political fate of 51 candidates contesting in 12 crucial municipal wards in Delhi will be decided today as the counting of votes for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) bypolls began on Tuesday, December 3, 2025. The results, expected later in the day, are seen as a significant barometer of the political mood in the national capital following the recent assembly elections.
Counting Begins Amidst Heated Political Atmosphere
Vote counting commenced at 8 AM across the 12 wards, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Indian National Congress locked in a triangular contest. The bypolls serve as a fresh test of strength for the ruling AAP and the BJP, which previously held nine of the wards, while the Congress aims for a political revival. The polling, which concluded on Sunday, recorded a turnout of 38.51%, notably lower than the 50.47% seen in the 2022 civic polls.
The election period was marked by accusations, with AAP alleging "foul play" by the BJP in the Dakshinpuri ward—a charge vehemently denied by the BJP, which dismissed it as an excuse ahead of the results. The electoral battle features 26 women candidates among the total 51 in the fray.
Civic Issues Dominate Voter Concerns
Throughout the campaigning and polling, local civic concerns emerged as the dominant theme influencing voter behaviour. Residents across neighbourhoods highlighted pressing issues such as sanitation, water supply, road maintenance, street lighting, and safety. The voter turnout varied significantly between wards, with Chandni Mahal recording the highest participation at 55.93%, while Greater Kailash saw the lowest at 26.76%.
Elderly voters were particularly visible at several polling booths, actively encouraging younger residents to exercise their franchise. The State Election Commission reported a smooth voting process across all 580 booths, with no technical glitches in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or law-and-order issues.
Key Wards to Watch
All eyes are on high-stakes contests in wards like Shalimar Bagh-B and Dwarka-B. Shalimar Bagh-B, previously represented by Rekha Gupta, is witnessing a direct contest between BJP's Anita Jain and AAP's Babita Ahlawat. The outcomes in these key battlegrounds will offer critical insights into party strongholds and shifting voter allegiances in the post-assembly election landscape.
What the Results Will Signal
Today's verdict is more than just a set of municipal results; it is a political litmus test. The results will:
- Signal the prevailing voter mood regarding governance and local issues after the state assembly polls.
- Shape the political narrative and strategies of the BJP, AAP, and Congress in the national capital.
- Indicate whether civic performance or larger national issues swayed the electorate.
With the counting trends now underway, the political destiny of Delhi's 12 wards hangs in the balance, setting the stage for the next chapter in the city's dynamic political story.
