Delhi MCD Election 2017 Results LIVE: With BJP set for a win, Yogendra Yadav urges AAP to be gracious in defeat

Celebrations break out at various counting centres in the city. Trends show BJP will secure a landslide victory in the MCD polls, while AAP and Congress fight neck and neck for second place.

Poster put up outside BJP HQ dedicating MCD win to CRPF jawans who lost their lives in #sukmaattack #DelhiMCDElections2017 pic.twitter.com/vpTePAclNM

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2017

Advantage AAP; Disadvantage AAP

Though the AAP might have gained credence for delivering in Delhi, with two factors working strongly in its favour – free water subsidised electricity – the same is not showing in terms of its MCD performance.

The people of Delhi seem generally happy with these deliverables as they have benefited Delhi voters a lot.

However, a large section of voters in Delhi, including AAP insiders, feel that Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s dictatorial and unilateral decisions and adverse comments against PM Narendra Modi have gone against the party. They believe that it is not the party’s performance but rather Kejriwal who is behind the AAP’s demise.

AAP must be a gracious loser: Yogendra Yadav 

Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav told the media that his former party, AAP, must be a gracious loser.

“AAP must show grace and accept defeat,” he said, adding that there was “no indication that EVMs were tampered with in Delhi.” Yadav continued, “AAP needs to introspect, it is not right to blame others.”

AAP supporters celebrate outside Shriram Colony at Yamuna Vihar

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/mcd-election-2017-results-aap-supporters-celebrate-victory-in-yamuna-vihar-3405046.html/embed

If EVM decides democracy, it’s a dangerous trend: Gopal Rai

AAP minister Gopal Rai has dismissed notions that the Modi wave that has been sweeping state after state (with a few exceptions) is responsible for the saffron party’s performance in the civic election. “AAP winning or losing is a small thing. But if EVM decides democracy, then it is a dangerous trend… This is not the Modi wave, this is an EVM wave.”

The minister added, “For 10 years, BJP has been ruling the MCD. The way they have won today, it’s only due to the EVM wave.”

Dejected Congress supporters outside ward 64E, Shriram Colony at Yamuna Vihar. All trends show that BJP is set to secure a landslide victory in the MCD election.

Media contingent waits outside CM Kejriwal's residence as CM holds meeting with deputy CM Sisodia #DelhiMCDElections2017 pic.twitter.com/yoa41Fcl7i

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2017

AAP volunteers remain optimistic

In spite of the early trends of the MCD election say, the volunteers of AAP remain optimistic that their party would do well in the MCD election.

“Even in the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, trends of the results and the media didn’t predict the correct numbers. But, we proved everyone wrong. So, let us wait till the final result is out,” said Sunil Kumar, an AAP volunteer outside the party office .

BJP leading in all 3 civic bodies, Aam Aadmi Party now at second spot in Delhi

The BJP was leading in all the three civic bodies, while Delhi’s ruling AAP was at second spot, and the Congress was trailing at third spot, according to counting trends after an hour, Delhi State Election Commission officials said on Wednesday.

The BJP was leading in 110 wards, the AAP in 28 and the Congress in 23 wards. 

Civic polls a beginning for Swaraj India, says Yogendra Yadav

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The municipal elections in Delhi were “foundational elections” for the Swaraj India Party and leaders have “zero expectations” of winning any seat, party chief Yogendra Yadav said on Wednesday. 

“We have zero expectations. But anything we get above that is a plus for us,” Yadav told NDTV on Wednesday as counting of votes for Delhi’s civic polls began.

Police presence beefed up ahead of results announcement

In Yamuna Vihar, the presence of cops has been increased ahead of the impending announcement of winners.

Congress supporters also ebullient

In Zakir Nagar (Ward No 100S), Congress party workers have begun to celebrate their candidate’s victory.

AAP supporters undeterred

In Yamuna Vihar, optimistic AAP supporters begin celebrating. Perhaps they haven’t been checking the numbers.

#DelhiMCDElections2017 First results: BJP wins from Janakpuri West and Janakpuri East

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2017

Celebrations are all set to commence in the BJP camp

In Ward 64E (Shri Ram Colony), they’ve already begun

Manish Pal, who belongs to ward 12N, said that BJP is set to attain the people’s mandate with an absolute majority. Congress, he said, had improved and should finish second.

Ankit, BJP supporter from RK Puram, talks about why the Aam Aadmi Party had an advantage in this constituency by fielding a local candidate.

And here are the official figures so far

State EC official trends: BJP-109, AAP-28, Congress-22, Independent-1 #DelhiMcdElection2017 pic.twitter.com/4hAX8GEJT7

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2017

This just in

Times Now and CNN-News18 have called the MCD election in the BJP’s favour.

Son and nephew of BJP candidate from 65S RK Puram, Tulsi Joshi, await the results. They hope that the people of Delhi will vote for the BJP and elect Joshi from RK Puram.

For a different viewpoint…

Meanwhile in Paharganj…

With the BJP candidate well ahead of his competition, this counting centre appears to be deserted.

BJP press conference expected at 2 pm

A party source has revealed that the Bharatiya Janata Party will hold a press conference at 2 pm at its state office.

Congress worker Abdul Wahi remains bullish about his party’s chances

Delhi back to the old equation

The trend does not augur well for the Aam Aadmi Party. If the MCD polls are a referendum on the party’s performance in over the last close to three years in power, then it is clear that it has lost public goodwill. The BJP is leading others by a mile, as predicted by exit polls. Media reports say the Congress has pushed the AAP to the third position. If the trend holds then it is back to the old days in Delhi’s civic body politics. The disruptor has been disrupted. The AAP days could get over here soon. Introspection is in order for Arvind Kejriwal. 

Trends look in tune with what I saw during campaigning.Ppl have faith in policies of BJP&leadership of PM:Dr Harsh Vardhan #MCDelections2017 pic.twitter.com/x9oFbFqcpF

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2017

Cue the celebration

Mukesh and Niwas from Katputli colony await the results, as they stand by for the celebrations that will follow. They are seen outside counting centres each election, knowing that someone is going to celebrate no matter what.

BJP leads in 160 wards, Delhi party chief Manoj Tiwari confident about win

BJP’s Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari on Wednesday said he was sure his party would win the civic polls. “I am sure we will win. I have no doubt about it,” Tiwari told the media, as counting of votes began. He said the BJP would make Delhi a “clean city” and free it from all sorts of diseases after the party “wins” the municipal elections.

BJP likely to retain the MCD

The speed at which BJP candidates are picking up leads across the National Capital has Congress and AAP supporters down in the dumps. And it looks more than likely that this will be another victorious chapter for the BJP.

Slightly dejected supporters of AAP, Swaraj India and Congress stand around as the BJP candidate surges ahead

Tarun Mathur, who supports Anjali Mathur, an independent candidate from Vasant Vihar, explains the need for independent candidates.

BJP storms ahead according to nearly all TV channels

While Times Now and India Today have BJP ahead in a monstrous 185 seats (among 270), other channels are being more conservative — CNN-News18 puts the figure at 82, while NDTV pegs the BJP’s leads at 92.

First trends begin rolling in

According to Times Now, BJP leads in nine seats, Congress and AAP in one apiece.

NDTV gives BJP six leads, Congress three and AAP the solitary lead.

India Today has the BJP ahead in 21 seats with AAP ahead in five and Congress in four.

CNN-News18 has BJP ahead in three seats, Congress in five and AAP in two.

Ritu Singh Sehrawat, an independent candidate from Vasant Vihar, was earlier with the BJP but had to leave as she claimed that the party did not want to field any educated leaders from her area. She wanted to challenge them by contesting independently. Waiting outside the NP Girls Model School counting centre, she hopes to win.

What makes the MCD results so important?

Why would a mere civic body poll be so important for national parties? Well, it’s not ‘mere’ if one considers what is at stake. It’s prestige. Delhi was the first state to halt the Narendra Modi victory juggernaut post the 2014 General Election. The BJP has to prove that it was a minor bleep, not a definitive statement of its strength in the capital state.

The AAP has to prove that its victory was no fluke. If it wins or even does well, it will remain a strong counter-force to the BJP in Delhi. For the Congress, the question, of course, is revival. A decent performance will be a much-needed booster dose for it. Besides all that, a victory in Delhi has a certain bang value. It’s the power hub of the country.

BJP yielding not an inch; credit goes to Amit Shah

At least 232 seats out of 272 – that’s the BJP’s expectation for the MCD polls. Given the fact that they have been on an electoral purple patch for long, the target cannot be said to be highly optimistic. 

Moreover, sweeps have become the trend in Indian elections. So, even 250 is achievable. Whatever be the result, you have to give it to the party. It yields not an inch, it takes no election lightly.

When did you last see high-profile national leaders campaigning for a civic body election? The credit must go to party president Amit Shah. He hates losing. It can only mean good for the party.

First trends begin rolling in

According to Times Now, BJP leads in nine seats, Congress and AAP in one apiece.

NDTV gives BJP six leads, Congress three and AAP the solitary lead.

India Today has the BJP ahead in 21 seats with AAP ahead in five and Congress in four.

CNN-News18 has BJP ahead in three seats, Congress in five and AAP in two.

EVM tampering allegations behind heightened security?​

Rajkumar Gupta, a resident of JJ camp, Gole Market, said that he has never seen such barricading and security in his area before. Interestingly, this counting centre falls under the NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Corporation) and not the MCD. Yet, the barricading is extensive. Perhaps the recent allegations of tampering with EVM machines has forced the authorities to beef up security.

On a positive note…

Traffic, particularly in the Shaheed Amir Chand Government Sarvodaya Vidyalaya area, does not seem to be disrupted or diverted at all, and is flowing smoothly.

And we’re underway as counting begins

With minutes to go to before counting starts, security cordons off centres

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Security on high alert as counting officers reach the centres

Tight security was seen outside the NP Girls Model School, the counting centre for Kasturba Nagar, Jangpura, Greater Kailash, Okhla, Malviya Nagar and RK Puram seats. Barricades were put up more than 500 metres away from the school’s main building.

Officials enter the counting station at Shaheed Amir Chand Government Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Ludlow Castle

An alternate scenario

What if it is an AAP sweep? It will be a tight slap in the face of pundits in the media — well-deserved, one must say. They have been so busy writing off Arvind Kejriwal that they could have missed some good work his government has done at the ground level. His party’s campaigning also has a different touch.

It’s more personal and the party reaches deep. Opponents should be wary. Never mind the pundits; they are used to losing face. They will spring back quickly after a good slap or two.

Who gets credit for the victory?

Giving credit for electoral victory is as important as finding a good excuse after a defeat. It’s flattery in a sophisticated form. And who can do it better than us Indians? The BJP knows who to give credit to: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah.

The Congress, of course, cannot think beyond the Gandhis, and as for AAP, it would be Arvind Kejriwal. A decent performance for the Congress would be termed as a grand revival of the party under scion Rahul Gandhi. After a series of miserable electoral performances across the country, Rahul surely needs a morale-booster. But people know better, don’t they?

Irrespective of results, introspection is need of the hour for AAP

Aam Aaadmi Party, the hope of the aam aadmi (common man) of Delhi till two years back, is expected to get a drubbing at the hands of BJP in the MCD elections, as per exit polls.

Whatever be the results on Wednesday, the party needs to undergo serious introspection if it wants to resist the onslaught from BJP in Delhi. It needs to rethink its strategy, else retaining Delhi in the 2020 Assembly election and expanding base in rest of India would be difficult.

The party needs to identify key issues with its current set up and tweak its strategy for the upcoming elections.

Read the full report here

Heavy security outside counting stations

The 35 counting centres for the MCD elections, spread across the capital, have been cordoned off and heavy security is seen outside them. At this centre in Geeta Colony, near Ambedkar University Delhi, road diversions have been set up and routine patrolling is done to ensure that the counting of votes is not interrupted or tampered with in any way.  

Awaited: A good excuse after election loss

A good excuse – that is what parties need when they lose elections. They usually tell the world that they actually didn’t lose, that it was the fault of someone else. The Aam Aadmi Party seems to have its face-saver ready: Tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Voters press one button and the vote goes to another person/party not intended. The party has already raised some heat over the wiring locha in the voting machines. One needs to wait and watch how it reacts if it performs well.

In that case, rivals BJP and Congress would need to find their own excuses. Flawed EVMs is not a bad one. Borrowed yes, but everything is fair after an electoral defeat.

Disparity in voting between state and municipal elections

An interesting trend emerges on comparing the voter turnout in Vidhan Sabha elections with the civic elections. Whenever the MCD turnout is lower than the Vidhan Sabha turnout, the main opposition in state Assembly wins the MCD polls. This was seen in 2007 and 2012.

Turnout was lower for the MCD polls in both 2007 and 2012, while the Congress party was in power in Delhi, and the opposition BJP won the MCD polls. This is likely to repeat in 2017. Since the turnout was lower, with AAP in power in Delhi, it is likely to lose as per this trend.

The high-stakes Delhi municipal polls today saw a voter turnout of 53.58 per cent that surpassed the 2012 figure of 53.43

Kejriwal to launch ‘movement’ if exit poll results come true

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned of launching a “movement” if the MCD exit poll results, which have predicted a BJP sweep, come true.

The AAP was born out of a movement and it will not hesitate to go back to its roots, Kejriwal said, addressing a gathering of poll observers at his residence two days before the counting.

“If such results come then it proves that manipulation has happened, like in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Pune, Mumbai, Bhind and Dholpur. We are the product of a movement. We are not here to enjoy the pleasures of power. We will return to movement,” he said.

– PTI

Exit polls indicate people will punish Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s absentee landlord

Two years ago, people in Delhi saw Kejriwal as an anti-corruption crusader. But now, it seems like Kejriwal has shattered the hopes and trust of the people and that they, in turn, have expressed their dislike for him and his party.

People feel that Kejriwal has taken Delhi for granted. For all practical purposes, Kejriwal became Delhi’s absentee landlord. Though it is true that as convenor of AAP, Kejriwal had to travel to expand his party, but he should’ve waited for his Delhi government to stabilise first.

Read the full report here

AAP dispels exit polls, claims MCD election was ‘rigged’

The Aam Aadmi Party, that enjoyed an unprecedented mandate in 2015 Assembly elections, winning 67 out of 70 constituencies in Delhi, seemed shocked by the exit polls and claimed that the MCD poll results could be “rigged”.

“If this is what the exit polls say, it is clear that the EVMs have been tampered with and these fake exit polls are being done to prepare a ground for the rigged results,” AAP Delhi convener Dilip Pandey claimed.

The party, citing an internal survey, had claimed to win 218 wards, during campaigning for the MCD polls.

-PTI

BJP confident of landslide victory

Buoyed by the exit poll results, aired by two news channels, forecasting the victory of BJP in around 220 wards, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said he has witnessed unparalleled support of people during his campaigns in nearly 250 wards in South, North and East Delhi Municipal Corporation areas.
 

“I never saw such a public support to a party in my whole life, especially from the people living in unauthorised colonies, slums and villages in the city. We are expecting a landslide victory,” he said.

-PTI

Exit polls predict a massive victory for BJP

Exit polls clearly favour the BJP. AAP and Congress are locked in a close battle for second place.

ABP News predicted that BJP will get 218 seats out of 272 seats. Aam Aadmi Party, which runs the state government in Delhi, was predicted to get 24 seats, while the Congress party was pegged to get 22 seats. Meanwhile, an India Today-Axis poll gave the BJP a lead between  202 and 220 seats .

In both the polls, BJP is seen getting almost four times the number of combined seats of AAP and Congress put together. If the voting trends hold true, it becomes clear that BJP has managed to buck the anti-incumbency trend.

Voter turnout likely to cross 54 percent: PTI

#MCDPolls: Voting ends but those who entered polling booth before 5.30 PM will be allowed to vote; turnout likely to cross 54 pc pic.twitter.com/E6UFVIhYCE

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2017

Arvinder Singh Lovely was not an outstanding leader: Sheila Dixit

Former Delhi Chief minister and Congress veteran Sheila Dixit dismissed that her colleague Arvinder Singh Lovely switching over to BJP will have much effect on the party. “The exit of Lovely and also Barkha Singh will have limited effect in the areas where they belong to,” she said.

“They were not such outstanding leaders that it will have an impact across the city,” she told PTI.

Lovely is said to have a strong influence on Sikh community and could benefit the BJP in consolidating votes from them.

MCD polls a referendum on the BJP’s 10-year rule: Sheila Dixit
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Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who cast her vote in Nizamuddin, refused to accept the MCD polls as a referendum on the AAP government’s two years rule, saying it was actually a referendum on the BJP’s ten-year rule in the MCD.

“It will be unfair to say that this election is a referendum on the Kejriwal government. In fact, it is a referendum on the BJP’s performance as it ruled the MCD in last ten years,” she said.

Dikshit also asked the voters to think about the development work done by the previous Congress governments.

“Before you cast your vote today, please think of all the work done by Congress government(s) in the city,” she tweeted. She asserted that the Congress is gaining ground in the MCD polls, citing a large number of voters reaching the polling station when she went to cast her vote.

“I certainly think, Congress is gaining ground,” she told PTI.

Parties have used Delhi’s Sangam Vihar but have all failed to tackle its problems

Sangam Vihar has a sea of problems. To reach the area, you have to pass through the posh and super elite Sainik Farm — where bungalows start from Rs 5 crore, and super luxurious cars are always parked outside.Once you reach Sangam Vihar, you find roads with boulders and potholes, with sewage water flowing across it. The unbearable stench of overflowing drains, with flies and mosquitoes swarming all over welcome you

To read more, click here

Polling ends in Delhi: ANI

Polling time for Delhi Municipal polls ends pic.twitter.com/nF7AQJZTVh

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2017

People will vote for good governance of Congress: Ajay Maken

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken, who along with his daughter Arushi, cast his vote at a polling station in Rajouri Garden, said that this election is all about the governance symbolised by the Congress and the “slanging match” that both the BJP and the AAP are involved in.

“People will vote for the Congress for governance based on the party’s track record. Both Kejriwal and the BJP indulged in verbal duel. The BJP-ruled municipal corporations have done enough damage that need to be rectified. Now people have to decide whether they want ’tu-tu main-main’ of BJP and AAP or good governance by Congress,” he said.

— PTI

Congress is hopeful that voters will remember track record

Congress leaders expressed hope that Delhi voters would remember their track record of governance and help the party in winning the MCD polls for which voting took place Sunday.

Read the full story here .

MCD polls: A litmus test for turncoats?

The results of the MCD polls will not only be a decisive moment for the prominent faces of various political parties but also for the turncoats who shifted their loyalties just days before the election.

The most prominent names among them are former Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely, who joined BJP just days before the MCD polls. Surprisingly, the former Congress minister was unable to vote today due to faulty EVM, an HT report said.

Barkha Singh, who joined BJP after being expelled from Congress, will also be testing the waters from the rival camp.

Will they survive the litmus test? We will know once the results are out on 26 April.

Voters create ruckus due to faulty EVMs in Patparganj: ANI

According to an ANI video posted on YouTube, some voters created a ruckus outside the polling station in Patparganj in East Delhi after voters alleged that Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was not working properly. Voters in Ward No 12 also accused officials of not taking the issue seriously, the video said. “The voters also alleged that the staff inside the polling booth was forcing voters to press the other party’s symbol button. However, the officials refuted the allegations and said nothing has happened of that sort,” ANI said on its YouTube channel.

Patparganj is a stronghold of AAP’s Manoj Sisodia.

Firstpost couldn’t independently verify the video.

Punjabi Bagh ward sees 70.33% polling till 16:30

Ward S002 in the Punjabi Bagh Extension area saw 460/654 votes cast till 16:30 pm. A volunteer on election duty there revealed that the booth, located near slum-dwellings, has seen a surge in voting numbers as the heat wave subsided.

Dug up roads a cause of concern for residents of Ward no 15

The sight in Mukherjee Nagar in Ward no 15 is one of the dug up roads.

Garbage the main worry in Ward No 100

In ward No. 100, the garbage situation is getting out of hand. People are distressed with the stench of garbage in the area. They hope that whoever is elected this year will look into the matter and rid them of the stench.

Memo issued over delay in sending poll percentage figures

Annoyed over delays in sending poll percentage by the officials concerned, the SEC has decided to issue a memo to them. “There has been a delay on the part of concerned official in sending poll percentage data to a control room which has been set up at the SEC headquarters. It has been decided to issue a memo to them,” an official said.

— PTI

35 percent polling till 2 pm in Delhi

Around 35 percent votes were polled in municipal elections in the national capital till 2 pm, with the electorates in north Delhi leading the tally. “Around 3,82,359 votes have been polled since 8 am. As many as 16,40,304 people have cast their vote in areas under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation,” according to the State Election Commission (SEC).

— PTI

Union ministers, BJP leaders cast their vote

Senior BJP leaders Harsh Vardhan, Vijay Goel and Meenakshi Lekhi cast their votes in the MCD election on Sunday and urged people of Delhi to reject the Aam Aadmi Party’s “misgovernance”.

To read more, click here

Reports from all over Delhi of EVM malfunction, people wid voter slips not allowed to vote. What is SEC doing?

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 23, 2017

Second wave of voters imminent as heat wave subsides

Ward 100s (ps no- 39,40,41,42) is witnessing a second surge of voters following a healthy crowd in the morning. As Delhi cools off, closer to the closing time of the polls, more voters are expected to exercise their democratic right. This surge could help improve the abysmal voting percentage in the capital – recorded at 16% at 1:30 pm

Empty booths reflect Delhiites’ disinterest in MCD polls

Several polling booths across the city, like this one in Green Park, are completely deserted given the heat wave. The soaring temperatures, however, cannot be the only reason behind the low voter turnout as it also shows that the people of Delhi are not interested in the MCD polls or that they don’t believe that the electoral exercise can lead to change.

More Khajuri Khas woes

Ward No. 64E in Khajuri Khas clearly has more problems. Open sewage, accumulating garbage and bad condition of roads and paths are just some of the problems voters here have to contend with.

‘We need good roads, proper sanitation to live,’

Sorry state of public restrooms

In Ward No. 64E at Shri Ram Colony in Khajuri Khas, the restroom built by the municipal officials is in a deplorable condition.

Voters expected after 3 pm

In Krishna Nagar, Anarkali (Ward No 22E), there has been a voter turnout of 30 percent. However, it has stopped almost entirely due to the heat. According to volunteers onsite, voting should resume in numbers after 3 pm.

Faulty EVMs interrupt polling in Delhi; Arvind Lovely among those affected

Voters in a few municipal wards faced problems as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at some polling booths did not work properly in the city. Former Delhi minister and BJP leader Arvind Singh Lovely couldn’t cast his vote early morning, as there were some problems in the EVMs at the polling booth in East Azad Nagar.

To read more, click here

Open waste disposal is a health hazard prevalent in the capital

An Anganwadi inside the Janta Jeevan Camp-Tigri on the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road is situated right next to a big garbage dump. This has led to widespread health hazards in the area. According to a survey conducted by Swati, an NGO affiliated with ‘Child Relief & You’, in 1,000 households within the camp, 70 percent people suffered from Chikungunya and the rest had diarrhoea and cholera.

Out of 1,000 students between the age group of 15 to 18 there, 46 have dropped out. Usha Malhotra, who is a teacher at the Anganwadi, says that the unsanitary state of affairs affects the health of pregnant women and new born children adversely. 

Lunch time means dirty polling booths

With lunch time having come and gone, many polling booths around the city are appearing filthy and dirty, with used plastic plates and glasses being strewn across. This one from booth number 15.

‘As soon as you enter Shahdara, the smell of garbage greets you first.’

More than 80 percent AAP candidates to lose security: Former party executive member Ashok Agarwal

According to Agarwal, more than 80 percent of the Aam Aadmi Party candidates in this MCD election are set to forfeit their security deposit.

Speaking to Firstpost, the party’s former founding executive member said that the dismal voter turnout in MCD election reflects the people’s loss of trust in the Arvind Kejriwal-led party – till 12:30 pm, Delhi registered a dismal voter turnout of 12 percent.

“This means that only the people who are traditional voters have come out to vote this time. These voters mainly belong to the BJP and the Congress party. On the other hand, the voters of AAP are non-traditional voters,” he said.

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Results of MCD Election will have ramifications beyond Delhi

Three parties — BJP, AAP and Congress — are involved in the MCD Election, and the results of these polls will determine the parties’ future on the national stage.

To read more, click here

Punjabi Bagh ward sees 42% polling till 12:30

While most of the city’s booths have reported sluggish voting figures, ward S002 in the Punjabi Bagh Extension area saw 288/654 votes cast till 12:30 pm. A volunteer on election duty there revealed that the booth, located near slum-dwellings, has seen a consistent flow of voters since morning.

The heat apparently doesn’t faze residents of Krishna Nagar (Ward No 82)

‘Broken promises mean someone else will have to get a chance’

Why low voting should worry Kejriwal

This should be an anxious time for parties. Voting has proceeded on a dull note. At only 12 percent at 12.30 pm, footfall at booths has been less than enthusiastic. What could it mean? Only core voters of parties are coming out to vote? If that’s the case then the BJP could be at an advantage.

But then turnouts have proved to be a deceptive indicator on voter preference. The challenge for parties now is to carry their traditional supporters to booths. The low turnout means no wave of support for any particular party or person. Arvind Kejriwal should be worried. It was not the case when he fought the last two Assembly elections. It appears he is no more inspiring voters to rush to stamp their mark on the ‘broom’. Or voters think MCD elections are not worth their time.   

AAP leader Sanjay Singh thrown out of polling booth

According to a report in  DNA , the leader was asked to leave by EC official for giving an interview after casting his vote. Talking to reporters, Singh expressed his belief that AAP would win the MCD polls, following which he was flagged by an EC official. A scuffle soon ensued between Singh and the official. 

In contrast, here’s a family from Durga Puri that went out and voted together

Always complaining, never voting

In East Delhi’s,Vishwas Nagar, of a total 2,304 voters registered to cast their ballots at polling booths 25 and 26, only 400 or so had turned up till 1 pm. 

The policemen at the booths took the view that while people complain all the time, when it comes to doing their part, they stay away.

Delhi State Election Commission registers 12.62% turnout till 12:30 pm.

Heat or no heat, how many Delhiites will vote?

Low voter turnout? Blame it on the heat

According to these volunteers at an East Patel Nagar polling station, the voter turnout is steadily declining due to the scorching heat.

Kejriwal, Sisodia cast their votes, urge Delhi to vote for cleanliness

Lt Governor Anil Baijal, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia have cast their votes, and said people of Delhi should come out of their houses and exercise their franchise for a “dengue and chikungunya-free Delhi”.

To read more, click here

Who can improve Delhi’s dismal health sector?

This is an important question that many Delhiites must have had in their minds before going to vote, as none of the parties have a clear stance on the issue. In the last two and half years, the capital saw the ugly face of a political blame game between the BJP-run MCD and the Delhi government, about their responsibility for controlling the outbreak of Dengue and Chikungunya.

While the MCD is financially dependent on the Delhi government for the salary of its employees, especially it’s gigantic workforce of sanitation workers, the responsibility of keeping the city clean rests on the MCD.

The sanitation workers went on strike on a number of occasions in the last two years, when the MCD failed to pay them, which left the city in a total mess.

Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit after casting her vote in a polling booth in DAV School(Nizamuddin East) #MCDelections2017 pic.twitter.com/R4O4U2rLou

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2017

Kejriwal casts vote, urges city to vote for dengue-free Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cast his vote, and urged people of Delhi to exercise their franchise for a dengue and chikungunya-free Delhi. “I appeal to all the people to come out in large numbers and vote for chikungunya and dengue-free Delhi,” Kejriwal said. Asked whether the elections were a referendum on
the AAP government’s two-year performance in Delhi, he said, “We will see as the results will come out on Wednesday.”

His deputy Manish Sisodia, attacking the BJP which has ruled the municipal corporations for 10 years, said, “If people are fed up with filth, dumps of garbage, corruption, people should vote against them.”

— PTI

Rising mercury, falling turnout

The Delhi heat has melted away all hopes of breaching the 60 percent voter turnout mark, it seems. Polling booths across the city are reporting dwindling crowds as Delhiites choose to stay indoors. Parties hoping for a strong turnout to propel an anti-incumbancy wave will be praying to the weather gods right about now.

For Kavita Jain, the story’s the same as elsewhere in the city

Mahendra and Jitendra Prasad from Ward No 15 praise peaceful and well-organised polling

Voter turnout set to drop even further as temperatures reach 41 degrees

With temperatures in Delhi crossing 40 degrees, people are staying away from polling booths. Several polling booths are completely deserted now.

The ‘other’ angle this election

Chandni and Payal, two transgenders, say that they want leaders who will fight corruption, work for the benefit of the common man and will ensure equal rights for all, irrespective of gender. There are 793 voters in registered in the other category for this election. 

Kanti Nagar resident Shivi Jain outlines the biggest issues in her ward

Sluggish voting across Delhi; only 1.16% voter turnout till 10 am

Voting for all the three municipal corporations started at a sluggish pace with only 1.16 percent of the total 1.33 crore voters casting their votes by 10 am across the city.

Polling for 270 wards of municipal corporations in East,North and South Delhi commenced at 8 am. Voting was the slowest in East Delhi as compared to North and South Delhi. In North Delhi, 73,051 votes out of 49.55 lakh were polled with the voting percentage being 1.47. In South Delhi, out of 52,09,933, 57,330 votes were polled which was 1.1 percent of the total.

Voting was the slowest in East Delhi where out of a total of 31,60,325, only 24,759 votes were polled. The voting percentage was 0.78 percent.

Kaanti Nagar resident is fed up with the lack of cleanliness, but hasn’t complained to the civic body

Voting suspended in two wards after death of candidates

Polling been postponed in two constituencies — Maujpur in East Delhi and Sarai Pipal in North Delhi — after candidates belonging to the Samajwadi Party died on Sunday. While the Maujpur candidate died of natural causes, the Sarai Pipal candidate was a man who died from an electric shock. Maujpur polling will now be held on 14 May, while in Sarai Pipal, it will take place on 21 May.

— PTI

Let’s check up once again on the strong ~arm~ of the law

Gita from Nirankari Colony lays out her expectations from the MCD

Why it is a big test of approval for Arvind Kejriwal?

If it’s referendum, then so it be. But is it a referendum on the state government or the man heading it, Arvind Kejriwal? Of course, it is the latter. He is the man Delhiites voted for in the Assembly elections in 2015, not the people who contested as AAP candidates. He inspired hope in a city and high expectations.

Back then he came across as far different from the run-of-the-mill politician. He was a revolutionary, an anarchist who advocated creative destruction. Politics had to be for the people, not the elite, not the power-brokers, he asserted. People loved it. The aura around him derived additional glow from his refusal to make compromises with principles.

Three years on, things have changed. To say he has belied expectations would be an understatement. The result of the MCD elections would prove whether he still figures as big in the common man’s imagination. A poor show would mean he is just an ordinary politician, not the harbinger of hope.

Home-to-booth service

An enterprising  young rickshaw-driver has taken it upon himself to ferry voters from their homes to polling stations in Mukherjee Nagar (Ward No 15)

Helpful policeman being helpful

Meanwhile in another part of the National Capital…

Taxi drivers, autowallahs turn away from AAP

“Me and my family have decided not to vote this time in MCD election as no party has tried to solve our problems,” says taxi driver Pawan Kumar, venting his angst against the Aam Admi Party.

“AAP is hands-in-glove with foreign cab companies Ola and Uber. They are exploiting drivers by charging hefty commission on taxi fares. The drivers have to face tremendous hardships to earn their daily bread,” he said.

He said that BJP, on the other hand, had failed to control the prices of fuel and other commodities at the Centre.

There are nearly 1.5 lac taxi drivers and auto__wallahs in Delhi. AAP, a party that had enjoyed their support, has now fallen out of favour it seems.

Meanwhile in another part of the National Capital…

Peaceful in Karol Bagh

Barely three hours into voting, tempers flare at Sadar Pahar Ganj

1.16 per cent voting in Delhi municipal polls till 10:30 am #MCDelections2017 pic.twitter.com/GVLVhmBbs2

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2017

Who will win the Delhi civic election?

Is this election really a referendum on AAP?

It’s curious that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party would itself make the MCD polls a referendum on the performance of the state government. It has to be utter foolishness or silly over-confidence. The three MCDs have been under the control of the BJP for long, haven’t they? Then the election should logically be a test of public approval for the performance of the party in civic matters.

Initially, the BJP and the Congress sought to make it a referendum on the AAP government, now the AAP thinks so too. All the questions relating to civic matters were thus directed to the AAP instead of the BJP, which should be doing the answering. Intriguing are the way of the party, aren’t they?

Lack of voter slips creates ruckus in Dwarka

Many voters in Dwarka in South Delhi complained that they had not received the photo voter slip from the Election Commission. These slips are usually delivered to the homes of voters prior to the election. Without these slips, voters cannot vote directly at the booths even with a voter ID. Today, as there was no such provision, those on election duty had to refer to their database and issue hand-written slips on the spot.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken casts his vote

Congress's Ajay Maken after casting vote at a polling booth in Rajouri Garden in Delhi #MCDelections2017 pic.twitter.com/6KXP3PeFGy

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2017

In the City of Djinns, all is well

The City of Djinns, that’s how writer William Dalrymple would describe Delhi. Yeah, it has to be so. How can ordinary mortals survive in a place like this? With every unit of air you breathe, you inhale toxic substances; with every morsel of food you gulp at roadside eateries you take in quantities of road dust and god knows what; every ride in the city is a test of strength for your skeleton and joints; and every walk you take in parks and secluded streets is fraught with the threat of physical assault.

If you have survived all this, you have dengue and chikungunya to deal with. You need to be a Djinn to survive in the city. Because the civic bodies don’t work, neither does the state government and the multiple authorities that supposedly manage the National Capital. In the MCD polls, Djinns are voting for Djinns. No matter who wins, everyone will survive. All is well here so long as this already poor situation does not deteriorate further.

Refreshments for votes?

Volunteers at voter list helpdesks in Mukherjee Nagar (Ward 15) have been offering voters — queuing since 8 in the morning — slips of paper informing them that breakfast, tea and cold drinks have been organised for them.

In exchange, volunteers have allegedly been asking potential voters to cast their ballot in favour of particular parties. Illegal much? 

Laxminagar offers a reality check

While many constituencies in Delhi see politicians employ electoral optics, Laxminagar, an area plagued with garbage disposal problems, doesn’t shy away from offering a reality check to voters. Even on election day, heaps of garbage right next to the polling booth were set on fire, reflecting the apathy of the MCD in the area.

‘They are not letting mobiles in, but they should have made a larger announcement’

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi rues the absence of announcements banning mobile phones from polling booths, suggesting that this might deter potential voters from casting their ballots.

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/watch-after-casting-vote-in-mcd-election-2017-meenakshi-lekhi-talks-to-firstpost-3399252.html/embed

Should the same party be in power at the Centre and MCD?

http://www.firstpost.com/blogs/politics-blogs/mcd-election-2017-the-view-from-delhis-indra-vikas-colony-3399212.html/embed

‘Benefits? What benefits?’ asks Delhi voter after casting his vote

http://www.firstpost.com/blogs/politics-blogs/mcd-election-2017-benefits-what-benefits-asks-delhi-voter-after-casting-his-vote-3399240.html/embed

Why it’s difficult not to be cynical about politicians in Delhi

It is difficult not to be cynical about Delhi’s politicians and their promises. No matter what the parties promise, you know for sure that the garbage dump in the neighbourhood, the overflowing sewers, the packs of aggressive stray dogs and the general chaos and disorderliness won’t disappear in a hurry.

The jhuggi-jhopdi Delhi has these problems in common; the posh Delhi has its own set of problems. For many in the fray for councillor jobs, the real aim is access to politics at a higher level. That perhaps explains why crorepatis – there are more than 700 of them in the MCD polls – with little engagement with people on the ground are so keen on a position that offers so little in terms of money. Personal ambition is fine but what about everyday problems of people? As people queue up at the booths, it’s possible they do so without much expectation. 

Emotional voter offers aashirwad

Mobile phone ban creating quite the ruckus

Unsuspecting voters are facing problems as mobile phones and tablets are not permitted inside the polling stations. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, before going to cast her vote in the South Extension II booth said, “There should have been proper announcements by the Election Commission that voters can’t carry their mobile phones inside the booth. It has been causing a lot of inconvenience.”

Water scarcity, bad roads, encroachment plague South Ex II

The South Extension Part II booth is one of the most high-profile in South Delhi, comprising a large number of politicians and bureaucrats, besides the ’elite’ residents of the area. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, one such resident, is expected to cast her vote shortly.

A steady flow of voters was seen at this booth, with many senior citizens among the early risers. “It is a B-category colony and I have been living here since 1959. There are several issues bothering residents here like water scarcity, bad roads, encroachment, lack of security. Roads inside the colony have not been repaired in over 10 years,” says Naresh Suri, a resident. The picture of a pothole on the road opposite the polling booth reflects the apathy of MCD South.

Want to beat the heat? Go out and vote as early as possible…

…the way this couple from Vishwas Nagar (Ward 17E) did.

Voters check their names in Ward 15 (Sarai Pipal Thala)

Could there be a possible violation of code of conduct rules here?

In a first, poll booths to be ’tobacco-free’

The Delhi State Election Commission has declared that all polling booths during the MCD election will be tobacco free. The pilot move comes after the Delhi government’s Health Department urged the State Election Commissioner to take action 

What to do in Delhi on this Sunday morning?

Have a leisurely breakfast.

Go out for a little stroll.

Read the Sunday papers.

Sleep in a little longer.

Go out and vote? Not if you ask people at this polling station in Vishwas Nagar (Ward 017E)

​

.@msisodia Dy CM reaches to fulfill the most basic duty of democracy with his wife - to VOTE!#MCDelections2017 pic.twitter.com/q1g5S4pTWA

— Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) April 23, 2017

Not sure if your name is on the voter list? Here’s how to find out

Polling has started early morning on Sunday, as registered voters started queuing up at 13,022 polling booths across the city. All voters are required to carry their voter slip and voter ID to exercise their franchise. To avoid any last minute confusion, the Election Commission has this year put out the list of registered voters along with the polling booth allotted to each voter, online.

Sunday blues hit Shahdara

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The Vishwas Nagar ward (017-E) has seen an abysmal early turnout – as of 08:40 am – as only a handful of voters managed to beat the early morning blues to cast their votes. 

No phones allowed

Mobile phones and tablets are not allowed inside polling stations by order, leading to commotion outside several polling booths.

The ‘garden’ of mosquito woes 

The grumpy sardar_ji_ next door is grumpier these days. We had a small fight last year over his ugly little ‘garden’ between the common space between our flats. The godforsaken plants with wide leaves in big pots are not only a visual disaster but also a happy breeding ground for mosquitoes. After the entire family suffered from dengue last year, one asked him to shift the damned garden elsewhere. He informed one curtly that one was merely a tenant while he was a bonafide owner of a flat in the society. So one should mind one’s own business.

The housing society members refused any responsibility, explaining that it was the job of the MCD to inspect flats and impose a penalty on people leaving space dirty for mosquitoes to breed. They informed that there are regular inspections. So far, as one knows, the garden has been there for three years and small swarms of mosquitoes keep flying into one’s house whenever one opens the door. The MCD guys surely have not been good at inspecting. No matter who wins the MCD elections, this is not likely to change. 

Coming back to the sardar_ji_, the situation with him, as newspapers would say, is tense but under control. He is so grumpy these days that he does not entertain any discussion on the garden.

Civil Lines sees strong early turnout

People line up outside polling booth number six of ward 15 at Civil Lines. The turnout in the early hours is strong and a positive mood is prevalent among the voters as they patiently look for their name in the voter lists.

Polling begins

Polling has begun across 3,000 booths spanning 272 wards in the crucial MCD election. As the electoral battle builds up in the three-way race between BJP, AAP and Congress, will Delhiites be prepared to bear the heat?

A quick thought: Should Election Commission update its code of conduct for the virtual world?

Vote for Congress. Vote for Governance. Vote for Delhi. pic.twitter.com/KyiWogthfj

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 23, 2017

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Voting begins in Delhi

Before you cast your vote, here’s a quick look at how things presently look:

North MCD: BJP has 59 councillors, Congress 29, the Bahujan Samaj Party 7, while others have 9 seats in the House.
South MCD: BJP leads the tally with 44 members, followed by 29 of Congress, five of the BSP while others have 26 seats in the House.
East MCD: BJP – 39 seats, Congress – 19 and BSP – 3.

Can Delhi breach the 60 percent mark?

In the 2012 Delhi municipal polls, the capital had recorded its highest polling percentage for the civic polls in fifteen years, at  55 percent. In 1997, the polling percentage was 41 percent, 51 percent in 2002 and 42.78 percent in 2007.

This time around, with more than 1.1 lakh first-time voters, the turnout is expected to breach the 60 percent mark.

In Begumpur, voters hope for change

Voters in the Begumpur constituency have started reaching the polling booth to cast their vote. There is excitement in the air, as voters of the constituency are hopeful that the conditions of their area will finally improve with a change in their corporator.                        

For all the LIVE updates in Hindi, click here

When daru and democracy meet

It’s too early in the day, with voting yet to begin in the MCD election. But the regular autowallah is already loitering near the booth at Hassanpur in East Delhi. Sozzled and unsteady on his feet, he greets you as a long lost friend. ‘Long lost’ is the right way to put it because he has not been visible in the last seven days or so.

You ask him what is he doing there and he replies, “Vote karna hai saab aur uske baad baki logon ko bhi lana hai (I have to vote and bring in other people too)”. “But where were you all these days?” You ask him. “And didn’t you say sab chor hai. Kisiko vote nahin karna hai (everybody is a thief and you are going to vote for anyone?” 

He grins sheepishly. “Busy tha saab, campaigning mein. Election hai, Kaise vote na kare. (Sir, I was busy campaigning. How cannot I vote?)”

The answer leaves you a bit confused. Why this change of heart, you wonder. Then you remember the conversation with his son – he has been driving one to office these days – a day ago. “Muft ka daru mil raha hai, Sir. Wo paanch din se ghar nahi ayya hai (Sir, a lot of free booze is available. He has not been home in the last five days).”

Liquor has its uses in the democracy after all, you sigh and conclude.

Civic poll a referendum on AAP’s performance in Delhi, says Manish Sisodia

​

“People have full faith that we will abolish residential house tax if voted to power. The problem with our country is that parties change but the circumstances don’t. If the school fees are increasing, then despite a change in the party in power, it’ll keep increasing. The reason for this is that there are all kinds of mafias at work. They affect people’s daily lives in areas like electricity, water, hospitals or schools. These mafias bribe ministers and thereby secure their comfort zone within the state. They make money whenever there’s an increase in rates…”

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Here’s all you need to know about the MCD Election

For the ruling BJP, holding on to power and fighting a decade-long anti-incumbency wave is a challenge and an opportunity to blunt Kejriwal’s attempts to emerge as the principal adversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress, which has considerably increased its vote share in polls held after 2015, where it was reduced to zero seats, is hoping to gain its lost ground and make its presence felt, despite unabated infighting…