The much-anticipated Delhi Lok Sabha Election 2024 is underway, with voters flocking to polling booths across the city. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and a sense of civic duty as citizens exercise their democratic right to vote. High-profile politicians, including Jaishankar, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi, have already cast their votes, adding to the fervor of the election day.
Early Voter Turnout
As the polling stations opened early in the morning, long queues were seen outside various booths, reflecting the enthusiasm of the Delhi electorate. Voters from all age groups, including first-time voters and senior citizens, were seen waiting patiently to cast their votes. The Election Commission has reported a steady and robust turnout in the initial hours, suggesting a high voter engagement this election season.
High-Profile Voters
S. Jaishankar: The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, was among the first high-profile figures to cast his vote. Speaking to the media after voting, he emphasized the importance of participating in the democratic process and encouraged others to do the same.
Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also cast his vote early in the day. He took the opportunity to interact with voters and party workers at the polling booth. In a brief statement, he reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to addressing the issues facing Delhiites and urged people to come out in large numbers to vote.
Sonia Gandhi: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi arrived at her designated polling station accompanied by security personnel. After casting her vote, she briefly spoke to the media, highlighting the significance of each vote in shaping the future of the country.
Key Constituencies and Candidates
Delhi, with its seven Lok Sabha constituencies, is a crucial battleground for all major political parties. Delhi Lok Sabha The key constituencies include Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and West Delhi. Prominent candidates in the fray are:
- Gautam Gambhir (BJP): The former cricketer and sitting MP from East Delhi is seeking re-election.
- Arvind Kejriwal (AAP): The Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party is contesting from the New Delhi constituency.
- Ajay Maken (Congress): The seasoned Congress leader is vying for a seat in the West Delhi constituency.
Election Security and Arrangements
The Delhi Police, in coordination with the Election Commission, has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process. Over 40,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city. Polling booths, especially those in sensitive areas, are under strict surveillance with CCTV cameras and additional forces.
Special arrangements have been made for the elderly and differently-abled voters, including ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers to assist them. The Election Commission has also set up numerous help desks to guide voters and address any issues they might face.
Voter Awareness Campaigns
Leading up to the elections, extensive voter awareness campaigns were conducted by the Election Commission and various NGOs to educate the public about the importance of voting. These campaigns focused on encouraging higher voter turnout, especially among the youth and first-time voters. Social media platforms have been abuzz with messages and videos urging people to vote, reflecting a high level of engagement among the populace.
COVID-19 Precautions
Given the lingering concerns about COVID-19, the Election Commission has implemented strict protocols to ensure the safety of voters. Mandatory mask-wearing, hand sanitization stations, and social distancing measures are in place at all polling booths. Voters are being encouraged to bring their own pens to mark their ballots, and polling staff are equipped with PPE kits to minimize the risk of virus transmission.
Conclusion
As the day progresses, the voter turnout is expected to increase further, with more citizens stepping out to cast their votes. The Delhi Lok Sabha Election 2024 is not just a test of political strength but also a reflection of the democratic spirit of the capital’s residents. With major leaders and parties in the fray, the results of this election will be keenly watched across the country. Stay tuned for more live updates as the voting process continues throughout the day.
