Delhi MCD Bypolls Witness Steady Voter Participation
After a relatively slow beginning, voting for the 12 vacant wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) gained significant momentum as the day progressed. According to official data, the voter turnout had reached 21.8% by 1:30 pm, indicating a steady stream of citizens exercising their democratic right.
Constituency-Wise Turnout and Political Stakes
The State Election Commission of NCT Delhi reported that Sangam Vihar-A constituency led with the highest turnout at 29.4%. It was closely followed by Chandni Mahal at 28.1% and Mundka at 27.9%. These by-elections represent the first direct electoral contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Congress since the Delhi Assembly polls held on February 5.
The polls are being conducted across a diverse set of wards, including:
- Mundka (General)
- Shalimar Bagh-B (Women)
- Ashok Vihar (Women)
- Chandni Chowk (General)
- Dwarka-B (Women)
- Greater Kailash (Women)
Logistical Arrangements and Electoral Significance
Polling commenced at 7:30 am across 580 stations established at 143 different locations. A substantial force of 2,320 personnel was deployed to manage the process, supported by a reserve force of 464, bringing the total deployment to 2,784 officials. To facilitate smooth travel for voters, the Delhi State Election Commission coordinated special public transport services. Metro train services began operations at 4 am, and the Delhi Transport Corporation ran special buses starting from 3 am. Similar arrangements will be implemented on December 3, the day scheduled for the vote counting.
The political implications of these bypolls are substantial. The vacancies occurred because three AAP and nine BJP councillors, who were elected in the 2022 civic polls, later became Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) or Members of Parliament (MPs). For the BJP, which currently holds 115 of the 250 MCD seats, this is a critical opportunity to cross the simple majority mark of 126 for the first time. The AAP, with 99 councillors, aims to regain political momentum and push its tally back above 100. The Congress, now reduced to just eight councillors, is fighting to maintain its relevance in the city's civic governance.
This electoral battle follows a significant shift in the MCD's composition. While the AAP had emerged as the largest party with 134 seats in the December 2022 municipal elections, the political equation changed ahead of the April 2025 mayoral polls when 16 AAP councillors defected to form the Indraprastha Vikas Party, handing the BJP a crucial numerical advantage in the House.
