Delhi Assembly Elections are a very-watched-in politics scenario in India. Both geographically and politically, Delhi, being the nation’s capital, occupies a special position. The election of the Delhi Legislative Assembly is one such event that influences the management of this nation’s capital and often has served as a litmus test for more general trends of politics.
Importance of Delhi Assembly Elections
Delhi is the national capital of India, which forms a microcosm of India’s diverse populace and complex processes of sociopolitics. For this reason alone, there are several reasons the Delhi Assembly Elections are important:
Importance of the Delhi elections for the capital’s governance Millions of lives are affected by the elected government running the reins of Delhi.
National Political Trend: The resultant is often indicative of the opinion of the people and the general sentiment of politics in the country.
Policy Implementation: The state government has a larger role in implementing policies of health, education, transportation, etc.
Background
Since its inception in 1952, the Delhi Legislative Assembly has undergone dissolution and reconstitution of the assembly several times. In the post-revival period of 1993, this remains the house that has continuously existed.
Major historical events include the establishment of the first Delhi Legislative Assembly in 1952, its dissolution in 1956, and Delhi’s declaration as a Union Territory directly under the federal government control. The 1993 Delhi Government of National Capital Territory Act restored the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Major Political Party
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Indian National Congress (INC)
Important Issues in Delhi Assembly Election
There are a number of issues that directly impact the life of the resident of cities and these concerns dominate the polling booth on the day of voting. On many occasions, voter’s behavior and the election talk are influenced by such issues.
During the Delhi Assembly Election, the key issue discussed includes an improvement in healthcare and educational facilities by the AAP.
Water & Energy: Delhi should be provided subsidies and improvement upon the water supply and energy.
Pollution & Environment: Environmental policies dominate the discourse among the people who live in a city that often tops the ratings for air-polluted environments.
Law and Order: Government talk on matters of law & order is generally triggered by discussion on the police department of India’s dualism over Delhi.
Recent Elections and Their Outcome
The dynamics of politics in Delhi have experienced a sea change due to recent Delhi Assembly Elections. The AAP has emerged here as a power force.
Electoral Outcomes: In 2015 polls, AAP gained 67 of 70 seats with a decisive margin.
Elections in the year 2020: The BJP won eight seats, but AAP again swept the polls winning 62 seats.
Analysis of Current Trends
AAP’s Governance Model: People have welcomed the party’s policies on public utilities, health and education.
BJP’s Policy: BJP is unable to sustain its position at Delhi even as it dominates all other parts of the country; it has succeeded in highlighting more national issues over local administration
Decline of INC: Congress party has steadily lost its strength and failed to win a single seat in 2020.
Role of Media and Campaigning
Media and political campaigns played a very influential role in structuring public opinion and the nature of elections within Delhi.
Role of Media: Traditional Media: In this manner, voters mostly remain dependent upon newspapers, the radio, and television for acquiring their information.
Social media: Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are some examples of websites which are becoming ever more important in relation to both campaigning and for voting.
Door knocking: one of them and perhaps the largest and most successful one in which the parties directly come in contact with the voters.
Roadshows and public rallies: mass congregations to excite the fans and energize the campaign.
E-campaigning is advancing the cause to a larger audience through digital media and social networking sites.
Problems and Controversies
There are several problems and controversies related to the Delhi Assembly Elections, which are often in the headlines.
Principal Challenges:
Model Code of Conduct: To maintain a level playing field, ensure that the model code of conduct is observed.
Voter Apathy: Addressing voter apathy and ensuring a smooth high turnout of voters.
Election Security
Management of security measures to ensure free and fair elections is also a security issue.
Critical Problems: EVM Tampering Suspicion: According to many people, the authenticity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) cannot be ascertained.
Political rhetoric: Personal attacks and divisive words are likely to create conflicts while campaigning.
Conclusion
Besides deciding the way in which the nation’s capital is run, the Delhi assembly elections mark an important juncture of broader political trends in India. Delhi’s unique sociopolitical fabric places it at a microcosmic level of the complex and pluralistic electorate that the nation forms. The causes of greatest concern to Delhiites—pollution, water, energy, health, and education—are front and center as the political parties clash for control.
The recent rise of the Aam Aadmi Party throws into relief the growing importance of governance and performance-based voting. The legislative landscape is still very alive, however, with the Congress and BJP competing for a stake of influence: assembly elections in Delhi will continue to form a key window onto the transformation of India’s politics as the city grows and confronts new challenges.
Knowing the minute details of Delhi Assembly Elections really gives insight to the democratic processes and elements of our governance irrespective of whether it is of the interest of an ardent politician or a common citizen. Be it so, there is hardly any doubt in the fact that Delhi Assembly Elections will be yet another landmark situation in India’s political history to look forward into the future.
