Muslim-majority constituencies record strong voter participation; BJP accuses AAP of electoral malpractices
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections comes to an end on Wednesday with a direct contest emerging between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress, though not a frontrunner, is also in the fray. The final outcome, which will reveal the electorate’s decision, is set to be announced on February 8. The key issues dominating this election included the Yamuna’s polluted water, corruption, and deteriorating roads.
AAP is striving to retain power for a third consecutive term, while BJP, which has been out of power in Delhi for over 25 years, is determined to reclaim the state. Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years before AAP’s emergence, is seeking a revival after being wiped out in the last two elections.
The voter turnout until 5 pm was recorded at 57.70%, with some constituencies witnessing a surge in participation. Notably, Muslim-majority areas saw record-breaking voting. The highest turnout was in Mustafabad, where 66.68% of voters cast their ballots, while Seelampur recorded 62.47% voter participation.
Political analysts suggest that the high voter turnout in these areas reflects the community’s determination to make its voice heard. “We are voting for our rights and to ensure our future is secured. Our participation is crucial,” said Mohammed Rafiq, a resident of Mustafabad.

A major controversy erupted in Seelampur, where a clash broke out between AAP and BJP workers outside a polling booth. BJP alleged that AAP engaged in ‘mock voting’ and accused burqa-clad women of casting multiple votes. “There were reports of the same individuals voting multiple times,” claimed BJP spokesperson Alok Verma.
Police were called in to restore order. An incident came to light when a voter, Mohini, 26, complained that her vote had already been cast. “I was shocked when the polling officer told me that I had already voted,” she said. Investigations revealed that another woman, Muni Devi, 60, with the same address, had already voted. After verification, the presiding officer allowed both women to cast their votes.
Several voters in Muslim-dominated areas reported their names missing from the voter list. Azhar Abbas Khan, 58, a resident of Rajouri Garden since 1989, was among those affected. “I have voted in every election, but today my name was missing from the list. This is a targeted attempt to suppress our votes,” he said.
Delhi witnessed heightened security during polling, with 220 paramilitary companies, 19,000 Home Guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel deployed. Over 1.56 crore voters were eligible to cast their ballots across 13,766 polling stations, including 733 designated for disabled voters.

A day before polling, an FIR was filed against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan from Okhla for violating the Model Code of Conduct. He allegedly campaigned beyond the 6 pm deadline on February 3. A viral video showed Khan in a heated argument with the police. “This is political targeting. My supporters and I were engaging with the people, not violating any rules,” Khan said in his defence.
The fate of 699 candidates is now sealed in the electronic voting machines. The final results will be a litmus test for AAP’s governance, BJP’s comeback aspirations, and Congress’s attempt at revival. The high turnout in Muslim-majority constituencies may play a decisive role in shaping the results.
Political analyst Zafar Agha noted, “The participation of Muslim voters in large numbers indicates their desire to protect their rights. It will be interesting to see how this impacts the final results.”
As Delhi waits for February 8, the political battle remains intense, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the narrative. The verdict will not only decide the next government but also indicate the political mood of the nation’s capital.