Delhi Election 2025 Live Updates: Several members of BJP’s 'Mandir Prakoshth' join AAP

Several members of BJP’s 'Mandir Prakoshth' joined AAP in the presence of the party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy CM Manish Sisodia and other AAP leaders. AAP will also launch its 'Sanatan Seva Samiti', today.

Congress candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, Sandeep Dikshit, launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal amid the escalating controversy over the chief minister's residence.

During door-to-door campaigning in the New Delhi constituency, Dikshit told ANI, "Our question to the Delhi CM is simple: you once claimed you wouldn’t live in a bungalow. Arvind Kejriwal personally told me that a Chief Minister should stay in a one-room house. We are questioning him because he made these statements."

Dikshit further alleged that Kejriwal's residence has extravagant features, including nearly 50 air conditioners. "You had criticized Sheila Dikshit ji for having 12 ACs in her house, but your residence reportedly has around 50. You call yourself an 'Aam Aadmi,' but is this how a common man lives? To this day, you have not answered any questions about your 'Sheesh Mahal,'" he added.

"When I had resigned, I had said that AAP is not the party working for welfare of people, and somewhere AAP's political ambitions have overtaken the interests of the common man. A party that was born to work for the common man, where it has reached now. All they do today is fighting and holding press conferences." says BJP leader Kailash Gahlot

Saurabh Bharadwaj, accompanied by other AAP leaders, visited the Prime Minister's residence on Wednesday after an attempt to enter the Delhi chief minister's residence. The move was part of a challenge to the BJP, urging them to allow public access to the PM's residence.

The visit followed BJP's allegations about extravagant features in the Delhi CM's residence, including claims of gold-plated commodes and swimming pools.

After being denied entry, Bharadwaj remarked, "We came here to settle the debate of 'your house versus my house.' We suggested that both the PM's residence and the CM's residence should be shown to the public. That’s why we came here."

"The health insurance scheme of Rajasthan has been very successful and in Delhi we will do the same. It provides benefit to all whereas Ayushman Bharat has its limitations. The situation in Delhi has changed now. Congress is doing a better campaign and this time, the results will be different," said former Rajasthan CM & Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana'. (ANI)

A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for Delhi's assembly polls, Congress rolled out a major promise to the voters—a Rs 25 lakh health insurance cover under its proposed 'Jeevan Raksha Yojna' if voted to power.

Bharatiya Janata Party released a video accusing Aam Aadmi Party supremo and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of steering away from his old promise of living in a two-room house and building a "den of loot" as he came to power.

BJP leader CR Kesavan referred to February 5, the day of polling in the National Capital, as a "day of deliverance." He also labeled Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, a "corrupt conman."

“February 5 is a day of deliverance. 1.5 crore people of Delhi have been eagerly waiting to vote out the corrupt conman Arvind Kejriwal and bless the BJP. The countdown has begun,” Kesavan told ANI.

The BJP leader also highlighted the tragic drowning of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi in 2024, linking it to the alleged governance failures under Kejriwal's leadership.

Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday addressed allegations of extravagant amenities at the Chief Minister's residence, dismissing the claims during a press conference.

Speaking to the media, Bharadwaj said, "I will try to find out where the 'Alishan Swimming Pool' is at 6 Flagstaff Road. I was told there are gold commodes in the washroom. I will try to find out where the golden commode is."

Mocking the rumors further, he added, "I was also told there is a bar at the Chief Minister's residence to drink alcohol. I will try to find that too." Bharadwaj's remarks come in response to circulating rumors alleging luxury features at the Delhi CM's official residence.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday criticised the Congress' "first family," accusing them of repeatedly showing disrespect toward prominent leaders. He welcomed the Centre's decision to allocate a dedicated site within the Rashtriya Smriti complex in the Rajghat precinct to establish a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee.

"Pranab Mukherjee was a former President of India, awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Modi government, and now the government has announced the construction of a 'Rashtriya Smriti' in his honor—it should be welcomed," Poonawalla told ANI.

He further remarked, "The Congress' first family operates with a narrow mindset, continuously disrespecting its own great leaders. It's ingrained in the Congress' DNA—whether it's BR Ambedkar, Rajendra Prasad, or Sardar Patel, they have disrespected every towering figure."

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bhardwaj were stopped by police from entering the Delhi chief minister's official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, where they had planned to take media personnel on a tour. The move was intended to counter the BJP's "Sheesh Mahal" accusations regarding alleged opulent renovations during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure.

Barricades were placed, and police personnel were deployed outside the residence, preventing the AAP leaders from accessing the premises.

When asked if they had sought prior permission for the visit, Singh and Bhardwaj responded, "Why should we need permission to enter the chief minister's residence?"

They were seen speaking to officials at the bungalow, requesting permission to be allowed inside.

Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "BJP used to send new videos and photos every day. Today, we came here with all the media persons. Now, the BJP is running away. A three-layer barricading has been put up. They have also put up water cannons and deployed Additional DCP here. This has been turned into a border so that the media can't go in. Show us where the swimming pool and bar are BJP says that the CM's residence was built for Rs 33 Crores. It is also being said that PM house is being built for Rs 2700 Crores. We will see both the CM residence and PM house. Let the public see both."

This came after Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj accompanied the media on a tour of the chief minister's residence, which the BJP claims was turned into a "Sheesh Mahal" during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure. Singh and Bharadwaj told reporters at a press conference that they would also take reporters to the prime minister's residence, which AAP has dubbed "Raj Mahal" and claimed was built at a cost of 2,700 crore.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh in a press conference says, "Yesterday I challenged about Sheesh Mahal. It was said that there is a gold commode in bathroom, swimming pool, and mini bar. We will go there and search. We will also go to see the official residence of PM. We will also see his 5,000 suits, 6,700 pair of shoes, chandelier worth Rs 200 crore, carpet worth Rs 300 crore."

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "During Covid, the CM residence and the PM residence, both were constructed using taxpayers' money. Both the residences should be shown to everyone through the media. The BJP claimed there is a swimming pool and a bar in the CM residence, let us find it if that's the case. BJP is backing off now because they think they might have to show the PM's residence too. We are now going to the CM residence."

Haryana minister Anil Vij expressed confidence in the BJP prospects in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, citing the BJP-led NDA's victories in the recently concluded Haryana and Maharashtra assembly polls.

"Starting with BJP's victory in Haryana, the party went on to win in Maharashtra, and now it's Delhi's turn. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ushered in the politics of development in the country," Vij told ANI.

Addressing a query about ongoing farmers' protests, Vij commented, "The protesting farmers are primarily from AAP-ruled Punjab. AAP leaders have ignored their demands and issues, seemingly waiting for a tragic incident to occur before turning it into a major political controversy."

BJP's Central Election Committee to meet on January 10 to decide candidates on the remaining seats for Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, defence minister Rajnath Singh along with other CEC members will be present: ANI reported, citing sources

In the ongoing controversy surrounding the 'Sheeshmahal' allegations, AAP minister Saurabh Bhardwaj addressed the media on Wednesday, stating that at 11.00am, they would clarify all the doubts regarding the Delhi CM's residence at 6, Flagstaff Road.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh invited the media for a tour of Arvind Kejriwal's official residence while he was Delhi's chief minister, which the BJP claims was turned into a "Sheesh Mahal" during the AAP chief's stay. Challenging the BJP over its allegations on the "Sheesh Mahal" issue, Singh asked its leaders to visit the CM's residence at 11 am on Wednesday with the media and prove their claims.

In a press conference, he alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lived in a "Rajmahal" worth Rs 2,700 crores and challenged the BJP to open it up for a similar visit with the media.

The Income Tax department announced the launch of a "24x7 control room and complaint monitoring cell" for the public to report illegal inducements, such as cash distribution, during the Delhi Assembly elections. The Election Commission had earlier set the poll dates for the 70-member Assembly, with voting on February 5 and counting on February 8.

The department's Investigation wing, in a public notice, said the control room has been set up at the Civic Centre in central Delhi, along with a toll-free helpline: 1800111309.

The notice urged citizens to report any suspicious activity, including the movement or distribution of cash, bullion, or precious metals, within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi linked to the elections.

BSP chief Mayawati has said that the party will contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections independently, with full preparation and strength.

Taking to the social media account on X, Mayawati wrote, "The general election for Delhi Assembly will be held in one phase on February 5, 2025. The announcement made by the Election Commission in this regard is welcome. BSP is fighting this election on its own strength with full preparation and strength. It is expected that the party will definitely perform well in this election."

With the Delhi Assembly elections slated for February 5, 2025, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin expressed confidence in the Congress party's ability to resonate with voters. He emphasized that their campaign would prioritize addressing critical issues affecting the people.

"Congress only announces what we have already implemented in Congress-ruled states. We don't make empty promises," Nizamuddin stated, underlining the party's commitment to credible pledges.

Nizamuddin outlined Congress's key priorities, including cleaning the Yamuna, ensuring women's safety, rooting out corruption, and tackling unemployment—issues he claimed have been overlooked by the incumbent AAP government.

BJP spokesperson Rachna Reddy on Tuesday accused Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Atishi of misconduct, alleging that she summoned the District Election Officer (DEO) to her official residence without a clear agenda to inquire about the personal details of those raising objections to the electoral roll.

Highlighting the timing of the meeting, just ahead of the Delhi elections, Reddy criticised the AAP government for allegedly misusing its power. She further accused the Delhi administration of prioritising rhetoric over effective governance, calling on voters to deliver a "befitting reply" to the AAP at the upcoming polls.

Aam Aadmi Party, which is the only party to have announced candidates for all 70 seats for the February 5 assembly elections in Delhi, has undergone significant transformation in its character and approach since the last polls in 2020. The party, which once talked about Congress and BJP as being chips off the same block and enmeshed in corruption, now prioritises electoral win in selecting candidates and has nominated eight individuals who were earlier members of BJP and Congress.

Some long-standing members who were associated with the party since the Anna Hazare era have departed, among them Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal and minister Kailash Gahlot. Maliwal left after accusing Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Vibhav Kumar of physically assaulting her, while Gahlot charged the party with deviating from its founding principles. The two Dalit ministers, Raaj Kumar Anand and Rajinder Pal Gautam, quit the party claiming AAP wasn’t attentive to scheduled castes.

The number of voters in the capital increased by nearly eight lakh since the last assembly polls, but the electorate shrank in 14 constituencies in the past five years.

An analysis of the electoral data provided by the office of the chief electoral officer of Delhi revealed that between the 2020 assembly polls and the final data published Monday, the number of voters increased by over 5% while it surged by more than 10 percentage points in the preceding state assembly elections.

Among the major constituencies that witnessed a fall in the numbers were Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, Rajendra Nagar, RK Puram and Laxmi Nagar.

After shock backto-back poll defeats following a defiant LS show, Congress goes into Delhi elections with the ambitious hope of reverting its downbeat mood via a state where it is practically finished as an electoral force.

The odds on Congress’ performance in Delhi and the stakes involved make the coming capital contest an interesting show just when it was likely to be a side drama in Congress’s larger battle to reorient itself nationally post-2024. After all, the party failed to open its account in the Delhi assembly in 2015 and 2020, a decimation that started with it being supplanted by the newbie AAP of Arvind Kejriwal in 2013 as Congress was relegated to eight seats.

AAP’s wins in assembly polls had previously overshadowed BJP’s celebrations after its victories in 2014 and 2019 LS polls. Will the story repeat itself on Feb 8? A deviation from the pattern will help BJP build on momentum it gained after wins in Maharashtra and Haryana at Congress’ expense. This consideration is whetting motivation for the party to make a determined effort to claw back the prominence it enjoyed in a city that became a pocket of its influence much before its success in regions that it currently dominates.

BJP leadership recognises that unseating AAP is not going to be an easy task because of the support Kejriwal enjoys among large sections of the poor on the strength of its welfare schemes. Lack of a face, which could be projected against the AAP boss, and a weakened organisation are seen as the other hurdles.

Twice in the past 10 years, Arvind Kejriwal's AAP halted BJP's relentless victory march in head-to-head contests in Delhi, reversing 7-0 clean sweeps by the saffron juggernaut in the immediately preceding Lok Sabha polls to win thumping majorities in the assembly elections of 2015 and 2020. Will the script be repeated in 2025? Or have incumbency and charges of corruption dimmed Brand Kejriwal's lustre enough to enable BJP to triumph in a state in which it last won a majority in an assembly election in 1993? The answer will become clear on February 8, when the results of what promises to be a bitter and high-voltage election will be announced.

After shock back-to-back poll defeats following a defiant Lok Sabha show, Congress goes into Delhi elections with the ambitious hope of reverting its downbeat mood via a state where it is practically finished as an electoral force.

The odds on Congress' performance in Delhi and the stakes involved make the coming capital contest an interesting show just when it was likely to be a side drama in Congress's larger battle to reorient itself nationally post-2024. After all, the party failed to open its account in the Delhi assembly in 2015 and 2020, a decimation that started with it being supplanted by the newbie AAP of Arvind Kejriwal in 2013 as Congress was relegated to eight seats.

Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar Tuesday rubbished allegations regarding arbitrary additions and deletions in electoral rolls, saying political parties are taken along at each stage of the electoral rolls updation process, which is strictly as per laid down protocols that ensure transparency and accountability.

Speaking against the backdrop of allegations by Delhi CM Atishi that electoral rolls in the state were tampered to influence the polls, Kumar insisted that no deletions from rolls could be made without filling up the statutory forms, mandatory field verification by block-level officer, documentation via death certificate and cross verification where deletions surpass 2% of total voters in a polling station. Even after publication of draft electoral rolls, claims and objections are invited from public and aggrieved electors given a hearing ahead of finalisation of rolls.

Senior BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda on Tuesday signaled his party's intent to outdo the AAP's welfare measures in Delhi, pledging to enhance existing schemes and introduce benefits for women if elected to power. In an interview with PTI, Panda, the BJP's in-charge for the Delhi assembly polls, criticized the AAP as a "party of frauds" and expressed confidence in securing a "very comfortable" majority in the 70-member House.

He stated that the BJP aims to capture over 50% of the vote share in the national capital, noting a steady rise in its assembly election performance, which is nearing its Lok Sabha poll numbers.

Addressing a controversy involving BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s personal remarks against Delhi chief minister Atishi, Panda emphasized that the party advises its members to speak thoughtfully in public. He also urged Atishi to focus on addressing "political questions."

With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) coming into effect following the announcement of assembly polls on February 5, the Delhi government on Tuesday issued strict guidelines to ensure compliance. The General Administration Department (GAD) directed all departments to immediately remove photographs and references to the council of ministers, political parties, and their leaders from official websites. In a separate order, the GAD also prohibited advertisements showcasing the government's achievements, emphasizing that public funds must not be used for such purposes during the MCC period.

"If any advertisement has already been released for telecast/broadcast or published in the print media, it must be ensured that the telecast/broadcast of such advertisement on electronic media is stopped forthwith," said the order.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday defended the recent amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, restricting public access to CCTV footage from polling booths, citing the need to protect voter privacy and prevent misuse of the data to create false narratives.

He clarified that the restriction applies specifically to footage from inside and outside polling stations, a practice already enforced through Election Commission instructions since 2024.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the Delhi assembly poll schedule, Kumar emphasized that the amendment formalizes safeguards to prevent potential exploitation of such footage.

"BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) is contesting this election independently and with full preparation and vigour. I hope the party will definitely perform better in this election," she said.

"Elections are the backbone of democracy, and the BSP, a party that stays away from muscle and money power, expects the Election Commission to prevent the elections from being polluted by the misuse of government machinery, communalism, and other vile propaganda to ensure free and fair elections," she added.

"This is a festival of democracy, and I request the people of Delhi, especially the youth, to come out in large numbers and vote for change, because for the last decade in Delhi, there has been the Aam Aadmi Party that has ensured that it only enjoys the fruits of power, but did not take the onus of responsibility towards the citizens of Delhi. Now it is time to build a progressive Delhi, a healthy Delhi, a Delhi that is going to become a world-class city with proper infrastructure. For that, what is required is a BJP double-engine govt model in Delhi as well..," she said.

"...The public will get a chance to elect a government that will work for the development of the people... The public will vote for the BJP and elect a BJP chief minister... The Delhi government has failed to provide basic facilities to the common man... The public will vote for the BJP in the name of development...," she said.

“The truth should come to light. BJP claims that there is a swimming pool inside Delhi CM's residence. I challenge. Tomorrow at 11am, we will go with the media to Delhi CM’s residence and will look for a toilet made of gold and a swimming pool,” he said.

"Today the dates for the upcoming assembly elections have been announced...The BJP-led central government has thrown me out of the Chief Minister's residence for the second time in three months...The BJP thinks that they will stop us from working by snatching our houses, abusing us and speaking ill about my family. They can snatch our houses, stop our work but cannot stop our passion for working for the people of Delhi...If needed, I will come and stay at the homes of the people of Delhi and keep working for the people of Delhi...," the CM said.

"Three months ago also my belongings were thrown on the road...The BJP should remember, today when they have again thrown me out of the Chief Minister's residence, I take an oath that I will ensure that every woman in Delhi gets Rs 2100, every priest and granthi gets Rs 18,000 honorarium and every elderly person gets free treatment under the Sanjeevani Yojana..," she added.

She said that she would continue to serve the people.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday dismissed opposition claims of EVM tampering, stating that courts have ruled 42 times that EVMs are not hackable and such allegations are baseless. While announcing the schedule for the Delhi Assembly polls, he urged the public to beware of "jhooth ke gubbare" (spreading lies).

"EVMs are commissioned only seven to eight days before polling day and candidates are kept informed through their agents at every step. Courts have ruled on 42 occasions that EVMs are not hackable... allegations of tampering with the machines are totally baseless," Kumar said.

Addressing the allegations of erratic additions and deletions from the voters, EC said, "Every step of the electoral roll process is rooted in transparency and accountability. Deletion of names is not possible without adhering to strict protocols, and every party has the right to raise objections at various stages."

"Regular meetings are held with the representatives of political parties, who have the right to appoint booth-level agents (BLAs). Weekly lists of claims and objections are shared, and both draft and final rolls are published on the Election Commission's website. Polling station rationalisation is also carried out with the consultation of all the stakeholders," the CEC said.

Kumar clarified that deletions are processed exclusively through Form 7 or Form B, adhering to strict guidelines.

"Mandatory field verification is conducted by the BLOs, and in cases where deletions exceed 2% of a polling station's voter list, cross-verification is done. Deletions due to death require a certified death certificate, and a seven-day window is provided for objections after notices are published online. Also, the affected voters are given the opportunity for a personal hearing before their names are removed," he said.

"No deletion can occur without thorough documentation, field verification, and giving the concerned individual an opportunity to be heard," Kumar added.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced that polling for the 70-member Delhi assembly will take place on February 5, with votes counted on February 8.

In light of the upcoming Union Budget, which is set to be released shortly before the polls, Kumar indicated that the Election Commission will communicate with the cabinet secretary to ensure no Delhi-specific provisions are included that could disrupt a level playing field.


Candidates interested in running can file their nominations until January 17, with scrutiny of those nominations occurring by January 18. Additionally, candidates will have the option to withdraw their nominations until January 20.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, has announced that the assembly polls in Delhi are set for February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8. Aspiring candidates have until January 17 to file their nominations, which will be scrutinized by January 18. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to withdraw their nominations until January 20.