New Delhi – Polling for the Delhi MCD bypolls in 12 wards will take place on Sunday from 7:30am to 5:30pm, with 51 candidates competing for seats across the capital. The results will be announced on December 3, providing crucial insights into voter preferences following the Bharatiya Janata Party‘s strong performance in the assembly elections earlier this year. The election represents a significant test for all major political parties in the national capital.
According to the Delhi State Election Commission, the Delhi MCD bypolls will be conducted at 580 booths across 143 polling stations. The bypolls will cover the wards of Greater Kailash, Shalimar Bagh B, Ashok Vihar, Chandni Chowk, Chandni Mahal, Dichaon Kalan, Naraina, Sangam Vihar A, Dakshin Puri, Mundka, Vinod Nagar, and Dwarka B, representing diverse constituencies across the city.
Reasons Behind Ward Vacancies
The Delhi MCD bypolls became necessary after eleven seats fell vacant when their councillors were elected to the Delhi Assembly. Among those elected was chief minister Rekha Gupta, who previously represented the Shalimar Bagh B ward. The transition of councillors to assembly positions created these vacancies that now require fresh elections to maintain representation in the Municipal Corporation.
The Dwarka B seat presents a unique case in the Delhi MCD bypolls, having remained vacant since 2024. This ward became empty after its former councillor Kamaljeet Sehrawat was elected to Parliament from West Delhi, creating a longer-term vacancy that will finally be filled through these bypolls.
Gender Representation in Candidate Pool
Among the 51 contestants participating in the Delhi MCD bypolls, 26 are women, reflecting significant female participation in the electoral process. The BJP has fielded eight women candidates, the Aam Aadmi Party has nominated six, and the Congress has put forward five female contestants. This gender distribution demonstrates the parties’ efforts to ensure diverse representation in civic governance.
The ward formerly represented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will witness a direct contest between Anita Jain of the BJP and Babita Ahlawat of AAP in these Delhi MCD bypolls, making it one of the most closely watched battles.
Current Municipal Corporation Composition
An MCD official revealed that the corporation currently comprises 116 BJP councillors, 98 from AAP, 15 from the Indraprastha Vikas Party, 8 from Congress, and one independent member. Of the 12 vacant wards being contested in the Delhi MCD bypolls, the BJP previously held nine seats, while AAP controlled Chandni Chowk, Dakshinpuri, and Chandni Mahal. This distribution indicates the BJP’s dominant position that it seeks to maintain.
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Political Parties Express Confidence
All major parties have expressed optimism about their performance in the Delhi MCD bypolls. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated, “BJP is all prepared and confident for tomorrow’s MCD by-polls. People expect performance from us, and we will deliver. So we expect a grand win in this election on the basis of our Delhi government’s and MCD’s performance.”
AAP leaders also asserted their expectations to win a majority in the Delhi MCD bypolls. Party officials stated, “Public feedback shows clear dissatisfaction with BJP and a demand to restore AAP’s accountable governance. We expect to win a majority of these seats because residents have seen a steep decline in cleanliness, sanitation, and basic civic services over the past nine months.”
Pre-Election Developments and Congress Strategy
The Delhi MCD bypolls witnessed a significant development on Saturday when AAP’s former two-time MLA Rajesh Gupta joined the BJP, claiming he was not valued in his party. Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj responded that Gupta was seeking a councillor ticket for his wife, which the party could not offer.
The Congress also expressed confidence in making gains during the Delhi MCD bypolls. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav said voters were disillusioned with both BJP and AAP. “We are fully prepared for the MCD bye-elections, and in the last month, the Congress workers have worked hard day and night in all the 12 wards. People are looking at Congress as an alternative for the future,” he stated.
Transport and Technology Arrangements
For the Delhi MCD bypolls, the State Election Commission has implemented comprehensive transport and technology arrangements. DTC bus services will start at 3:00am, while Delhi Metro services will begin at 4:00am on both polling and counting days. Night bus services on 28 routes will continue uninterrupted, and the last metro will depart at 11:30pm from all terminal stations.
Voters participating in the Delhi MCD bypolls can use the “Nigam Chunav Delhi” mobile app to check real-time queue status, locate polling stations, view candidate details, and search for their names on the electoral roll. The app also offers wheelchairs, assistants, and pick-up and drop-off services for voters requiring assistance.
The commission has redesigned the Voter Information Slip with a new QR code for BLO authentication and extended home voting facilities for disabled voters and those above 80 years of age, ensuring inclusive participation in these crucial Delhi MCD bypolls.
