Delhi Assembly Elections: There have been growing speculations that the Delhi Assembly elections, originally expected to be held in January 2025, might take place earlier, possibly within this year. The recent actions and instructions from the Election Commission (EC) seem to support this possibility.
Early Election Speculation:
Initially, it was believed that the Delhi Assembly elections would be scheduled for January 2025, following the last elections held in February 2020. However, recent developments suggest that the elections could be advanced to 2024.
Election Commission’s Preparations:
The Election Commission has reportedly directed preparations for the upcoming elections. The Delhi Chief Electoral Office has asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to appoint a Nodal Officer for the elections, and there are reports of election-related training being provided to EC employees.
Early Preparations Raise Questions:
Preparations for elections are typically not initiated so far in advance, leading to speculation that the elections might be held before January 2025. It’s worth noting that the EC has also ordered the transfer of officers in other states like Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Maharashtra, indicating that election dates in these regions might be announced soon.
Political Implications:
The possibility of early elections presents a challenge for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), especially since its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, is currently in jail. The BJP, AAP’s main competitor, and the Congress, which has decided to contest independently, will also be key players in the elections. Early elections could expose AAP to anti-incumbency sentiments, further complicating their position given the allegations and arrests of its top leaders.
AAP’s Recent Performance and Outlook:
The AAP did not fare well in the recent Lok Sabha elections, losing all four seats it contested. However, the release of Manish Sisodia on bail could boost the party’s preparations and morale as it gears up for the potential early elections.
