India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner.

For a party that was born out of a civil movement in Delhi, all eyes will be on AAP and its leaders who are likely to replace India's grand old party, Congress, as the primary opponent in national politics.

Led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the 10-year-old party is already bringing significant change, and later this year, it would be interesting to keep an eye on their vote share in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The main challenger for the BJP is now AAP.

In the political sky of India, a new star has appeared.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that the BJP's Hindutva ideology was a crucial factor in Modi's rise to national prominence, his developmental achievements and constant electoral victories as Gujarat's chief minister benefited him in establishing himself as a national figure.&nbsp;

Political divisions can carry a party to a certain point, but the voters' trust in the party helps to turn any party into a national force.

Victory in the state of Punjab is AAP's first foray outside the Indian capital, and they have begun to erase the party's reputation as a Delhi-centric party.

During the Congress's most recent term in Punjab, the party's most well-known figure, former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, resigned in the face of unprecedented farmer protests.

The resulting chaos has given the AAP the opportunity to contend for power for the first time, nine years after its victory in Delhi.

Despite its claims to be the "aam aadmi," or "common man's" party, the AAP's Punjab story is also about how the hopes of its volunteers—many of whom donated time and money to the party because they believed in its stated agenda of self-governance, transparency, and democracy—were sacrificed on the altar of politics.

Voters, based on recent trends, demand a change in the face of opposition.

This tendency indicates that the AAP would be an appropriate replacement for the Congress Party in national politics.

What worked for AAP

Indian voters have made it plain that they expect their politicians to be accountable, and they are unlikely to be misled by the plethora of freebies announced by each political party.

AAP tapped into the frustrations of millions of ordinary Punjabis who are unable to obtain work, gain access to public education and health care, or earn a living via agriculture.

That is why the AAP has gained a large number of seats in the 2022 assembly election, despite the fact that it has never held power in Punjab and is exhibiting its governance record in the national capital Delhi.

A case study

For decades to come, the Congress' poor performance in Punjab's Assembly election 2022 and the astonishing growth of the AAP would serve as a case study for students of Indian politics due to two important milestones.

One, for the first time in Punjab's history, a non-Shriromani Akali Dal, non-Congress government will be in power.

Two, by 2022, Congress had honed its skills at orchestrating and planning its own demise. Congress not only snatched loss from the mouths of triumph, but also a humiliating rout from a sure victory.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is winning state elections one by one, but if the results of the recently finished polls are an indication, it's the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as the true winner. For a party that was born out of a civil movement in Delhi, all eyes will be on AAP and its leaders who are likely to replace India's grand old party, Congress, as the primary opponent in national politics. Led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the 10-year-old party is already bringing significant change, and later this year, it would be interesting to keep an eye on their vote share in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main challenger for the BJP is now AAP. In the political sky of India, a new star has appeared. Despite the fact that the BJP's Hindutva ideology was a crucial factor in Modi's rise to national prominence, his developmental achievements and constant electoral victories as Gujarat's chief minister benefited him in establishing himself as a national figure. Political divisions can carry a party to a certain point, but the voters' trust in the party helps to turn any party into a national force. Victory in the state of Punjab is AAP's first foray outside the Indian capital, and they have begun to erase the party's reputation as a Delhi-centric party. During the Congress's most recent term in Punjab, the party's most well-known figure, former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, resigned in the face of unprecedented farmer protests. The resulting chaos has given the AAP the opportunity to contend for power for the first time, nine years after its victory in Delhi. Despite its claims to be the "aam aadmi," or "common man's" party, the AAP's Punjab story is also about how the hopes of its volunteers—many of whom donated time and money to the party because they believed in its stated agenda of self-governance, transparency, and democracy—were sacrificed on the altar of politics. Voters, based on recent trends, demand a change in the face of opposition. This tendency indicates that the AAP would be an appropriate replacement for the Congress Party in national politics. What worked for AAP Indian voters have made it plain that they expect their politicians to be accountable, and they are unlikely to be misled by the plethora of freebies announced by each political party. AAP tapped into the frustrations of millions of ordinary Punjabis who are unable to obtain work, gain access to public education and health care, or earn a living via agriculture. That is why the AAP has gained a large number of seats in the 2022 assembly election, despite the fact that it has never held power in Punjab and is exhibiting its governance record in the national capital Delhi. A case study For decades to come, the Congress' poor performance in Punjab's Assembly election 2022 and the astonishing growth of the AAP would serve as a case study for students of Indian politics due to two important milestones. One, for the first time in Punjab's history, a non-Shriromani Akali Dal, non-Congress government will be in power. Two, by 2022, Congress had honed its skills at orchestrating and planning its own demise. Congress not only snatched loss from the mouths of triumph, but also a humiliating rout from a sure victory.

India state election results: BJP wins, but watch rise of AAP outside Delhi

After much internal wrangling, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal finally named Bhagwant Mann, a two-time MP from Sangrur and the party's Punjab unit president, as the party's chief ministerial candidate for the February 20 assembly election.

After failing to find a Sikh face from outside who could be the "pride of Punjab," and with Mann persistently selling himself for the top job, the party's central leadership bit the bullet and chose to move forward with the Lok Sabha MP.

The clincher for the talented comedian-turned-politician, though, was the outpouring of support on Kejriwal's phone line, which he launched on January 13 and was open until 5 p.m. on January 17.&nbsp;

Kejriwal issued an open invitation to Punjab voters to choose their chief ministerial candidate, regardless of age, sex, religion, or occupation.

With less than 24 hours to the deadline, Mann had established an unassailable lead over the competition.&nbsp;

AAP president Arvind Kejriwal told reporters that Bhagwant Mann, a two-time AAP MP from Sangrur, received more than 93 percent of the votes cast by phone and WhatsApp.

According to the AAP, more than 21 lakh people voted.

Kejriwal revealed that Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu received around 3% of the vote.

Some even voted for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, but those votes were ruled invalid.

(With inputs from agencies)

After much internal wrangling, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal finally named Bhagwant Mann, a two-time MP from Sangrur and the party's Punjab unit president, as the party's chief ministerial candidate for the February 20 assembly election.

After much internal wrangling, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal finally named Bhagwant Mann, a two-time MP from Sangrur and the party's Punjab unit president, as the party's chief ministerial candidate for the February 20 assembly election. After failing to find a Sikh face from outside who could be the "pride of Punjab," and with Mann persistently selling himself for the top job, the party's central leadership bit the bullet and chose to move forward with the Lok Sabha MP. The clincher for the talented comedian-turned-politician, though, was the outpouring of support on Kejriwal's phone line, which he launched on January 13 and was open until 5 p.m. on January 17. Kejriwal issued an open invitation to Punjab voters to choose their chief ministerial candidate, regardless of age, sex, religion, or occupation. With less than 24 hours to the deadline, Mann had established an unassailable lead over the competition. AAP president Arvind Kejriwal told reporters that Bhagwant Mann, a two-time AAP MP from Sangrur, received more than 93 percent of the votes cast by phone and WhatsApp. According to the AAP, more than 21 lakh people voted. Kejriwal revealed that Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu received around 3% of the vote. Some even voted for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, but those votes were ruled invalid. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian state elections 2022: Bhagwant Mann is AAP’s CM candidate for Punjab

With a better party structure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now eyeing Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the upcoming assembly elections. States like UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab are on the top agenda for the party.

With a better party structure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now eyeing Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the upcoming assembly elections. States like UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab are on the top agenda for the party. The results in these states will determine if AAP can expand its leadership umbrella beyond Delhi and achieve ‘national party’ status. When AAP's President, Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party would contest the UP elections in 2022, he highlighted how the state has been drowned in corruption. He spoke about how the state leaders are hampering the state’s development. With this, Kejriwal also spoke about the very known Delhi model and how it garnered success - a way by which Kejriwal plans on winning the seat in UP. “If government hospitals in Delhi can improve, people here can get free electricity 24*7, why can’t the same happen in UP?" he said during his speech. Even after the party has become visible on the political circuit under Sanjay Singh (face of the UP poll campaign), there are multiple challenges that it can encounter. Delhi’s model of governance is not sufficient AAP's performance in many other states like Haryana and Maharashtra has already shown that their Delhi model is not enough to expand as a national party. Earlier n 2019, the party got fewer votes than those cast in favour of NOTA. According to the Election Commission, most candidates of the party secured less than 1,000 votes in the two states. A battle against the very well established BSP and SP In Delhi, AAP was fighting primarily against one opposition party, which is, the Bhartiya Janta Party. This is where it managed to gather support from different religious communities, including Muslims, Sikhs and Dalits. Also read | India Assembly elections 2022 | Kejriwal a political tourist, his ‘Punjab Model’ a copycat one: Sidhu However, in its fight in UP, Kejriwal-led AAP will have to battle against Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP). While BSP retains its support among the Dalits, SP is still known for the support it has garnered from the Muslim and Yadav community. Leadership still remains an issue AAP was born out of India Against Corruption campaign led by social activist Anna Hazare. After the party was elected in the 2013 assembly election in Delhi, it gave up power after just 49 days of running the government as it wanted to contest all the Lok Sabha seats during the 2014 general elections. This raised a lot of questions on the party president Kejriwal. Will SP-AAP alliance remain an option? Earlier last month there were speculations of an AAP and SP alliance, following a meet up between SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Sanjay Singh. A report by The Print suggests that senior members of both parties met multiple times to discuss the seat-sharing plans. However, they could not reach a consensus. “The idea of an alliance is not working. We will contest in all 403 seats on our own now,” Sanjay Singh was quoted in a report by The Print. Top leaders of both parties have not yet revealed the reason behind the talks not working out. However, a senior SP leader on the condition of anonymity said that SP, during the talks realised that they were not gaining anything as AAP does not have a specific support base in the state.

As AAP gazes 2022 assembly polls in UP, here are a few obstacles that the Kejriwal-led party can face

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India&nbsp;Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread&nbsp;falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods".&nbsp;Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic".

Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High&nbsp;commissioner&nbsp;termed the remarks as&nbsp;"unfounded" and something that "caused a stir"

The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid]&nbsp;situation in our respective countries"

Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two&nbsp;countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on".

As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies.&nbsp;"Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM".

Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said,&nbsp;"we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations.&nbsp;"It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks. Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods". Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic". Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High commissioner termed the remarks as "unfounded" and something that "caused a stir" The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid] situation in our respective countries" Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on". As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies. "Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM". Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said, "we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations. "It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

'Political office holders have responsibility not to spread falsehoods', says Singapore's envoy over Delhi CM's tweets

The Delhi Cabinet has given approval for the constitution of its own school education board - the Delhi Board of School Education, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal informed on Saturday.

"In today`s cabinet meet, we have given approval to the constitution of a Delhi Board of School Education. Our education system focuses on rote learning. This has to change. Our focus will no longer be on rote learning but on understanding," Kejriwal said at a press conference.

In the coming 2021-22 academic session, 20 to 25 schools will be under the new board, the Chief Minister added. "The Board will have a Governing Body, chaired by the Education Minister. It will also have an Executive Body for day-to-day functions and will be headed by a CEO. Both bodies will have experts - from professional industries, the education sector, principals of government and private schools, and bureaucrats," he added.

At present, there are about 1,000 government schools and 1,700 private schools in Delhi, nearly all of which are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).In July last year, the Delhi government had constituted two committees to prepare the scheme and framework for the formation of the state education board and curriculum reforms.

The Delhi Cabinet has given approval for the constitution of its own school education board - the Delhi Board of School Education, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal informed on Saturday.

The Delhi Cabinet has given approval for the constitution of its own school education board - the Delhi Board of School Education, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal informed on Saturday. "In today`s cabinet meet, we have given approval to the constitution of a Delhi Board of School Education. Our education system focuses on rote learning. This has to change. Our focus will no longer be on rote learning but on understanding," Kejriwal said at a press conference. In the coming 2021-22 academic session, 20 to 25 schools will be under the new board, the Chief Minister added. "The Board will have a Governing Body, chaired by the Education Minister. It will also have an Executive Body for day-to-day functions and will be headed by a CEO. Both bodies will have experts - from professional industries, the education sector, principals of government and private schools, and bureaucrats," he added. At present, there are about 1,000 government schools and 1,700 private schools in Delhi, nearly all of which are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).In July last year, the Delhi government had constituted two committees to prepare the scheme and framework for the formation of the state education board and curriculum reforms.

Delhi Cabinet approves creation of own school board

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022.

He slammed the political parties in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of stabbing the people in the back.

Questioning why people from UP should have to look at Delhi for health services and education, he said Mohalla clinics, free electricity, water, good education and health facilities can also be provided in the state.

"In eight years, the AAP formed government thrice in Delhi and has come out as main opposition in Punjab. We will fight Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

"Many brothers and sisters of Uttar Pradesh live in Delhi. When AAP formed govt third time in Delhi, then many people belonging to UP gave us suggestions that we should contest polls in the state. They said that they were unhappy from the present parties in the state," he added.&nbsp;

On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that his party will form the alliance with smaller parties in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Speaking to media when asked about the party`s alliance in the upcoming Assembly election in the state to stop the BJP, Yadav said, "Samajwadi Party will forge an alliance with smaller parties. Our experience has not been good with big parties. "The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, "We are hopeful that in 2022 Samajwadi party will form the government in the state with the majority."

BJP had stormed back to power in the state in the 2017 Assembly polls. In the 403 member UP Assembly, among the major parties, BJP has 309 legislators, SP 49, BSP 18, and Congress 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022.

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022. He slammed the political parties in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of stabbing the people in the back. Questioning why people from UP should have to look at Delhi for health services and education, he said Mohalla clinics, free electricity, water, good education and health facilities can also be provided in the state. "In eight years, the AAP formed government thrice in Delhi and has come out as main opposition in Punjab. We will fight Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022," Kejriwal said. "Many brothers and sisters of Uttar Pradesh live in Delhi. When AAP formed govt third time in Delhi, then many people belonging to UP gave us suggestions that we should contest polls in the state. They said that they were unhappy from the present parties in the state," he added. On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that his party will form the alliance with smaller parties in the upcoming Assembly polls. Speaking to media when asked about the party`s alliance in the upcoming Assembly election in the state to stop the BJP, Yadav said, "Samajwadi Party will forge an alliance with smaller parties. Our experience has not been good with big parties. "The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, "We are hopeful that in 2022 Samajwadi party will form the government in the state with the majority." BJP had stormed back to power in the state in the 2017 Assembly polls. In the 403 member UP Assembly, among the major parties, BJP has 309 legislators, SP 49, BSP 18, and Congress 7. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in 2022: Arvind Kejriwal

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day.

According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government,&nbsp;Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia,&nbsp;said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tests-in-delhi-to-be-capped-at-rs-2400-says-home-ministry-306628">Also read:&nbsp;Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry</a>

To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care.

On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up.&nbsp;
<img alt="AAP MLA tweeted an image from Maharashtra's COVID facility, claiming it to be a new facility set up by Delhi government" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d5b20d4-5f22-4a2d-b368-a01de54ad594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_15.jpg" />
While informing about such new centre inspection,&nbsp;members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a&nbsp;Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. 
This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. <a href="https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5">https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5</a>
— Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/zeeshan_iyc/status/1272446616016793602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The images started circulating after&nbsp;Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility.

However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I personally Apologize for this post. <a href="https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW">https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW</a>
— Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) <a href="https://twitter.com/piyushakak4/status/1272454420786274304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Delhi's coronavirus toll&nbsp;right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month. The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage. Also read: Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care. On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up. While informing about such new centre inspection, members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently. I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5 — Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) June 15, 2020 × The images started circulating after Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility. However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology. I personally Apologize for this post. https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW — Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) June 15, 2020 × Delhi's coronavirus toll right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

Fake COVID centre image spreads amid rising coronavirus cases in Delhi

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation.

A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP.&nbsp;Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a> जी द्वारा <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tests को लेकर <a href="https://twitter.com/RMLDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMLDelhi</a> की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। 
<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fqb4xxRxr2">pic.twitter.com/Fqb4xxRxr2</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1268526133277941760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9851-new-covid-19-cases-and-273-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-highest-ever-spike-303483">Also read:&nbsp;9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike</a>

In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital.

Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and&nbsp;two were inconclusive.

RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates.

"We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement.

AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results. The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease." बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री @SatyendarJain जी द्वारा #COVID19 tests को लेकर @RMLDelhi की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/Fqb4xxRxr2 — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) June 4, 2020 × Also read: 9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital. Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and two were inconclusive. RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates. "We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement. AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

Harsh Vardhan slams AAP on RML accusation; calls it cheap media publicity stunt

Hours after the hanging of Nirbhaya case convicts, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stressed on the need of the strong judicial system and said that there are a lot of loopholes because of which it took seven years for the justice to be delivered.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hugged-picture-of-my-daughter-and-said-today-you-got-justice-nirbhayas-mother-asha-devi-287468">&nbsp;I hugged picture of my daughter and said today you got justice: Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi</a>

"It took seven years for justice to be delivered... We have seen how the convicts manipulated the law. There are a lot of loopholes in our system that encourage the wrongdoers, we need to improve the system," Kejriwal said while speaking to news agency ANI.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-timeline-how-events-unfolded-over-the-years-287387">Nirbhaya case timeline -&nbsp;How events unfolded over the years</a>

The chief minister also said, "The police system and the judicial system need to be fixed. The convicts should be hanged within six months. We need to take all the steps so that the women feel safe. We have to install CCTV cameras across Delhi. Street lights need to be installed at the dark spots".

"Today, we have to take a pledge that a similar incident does not happen again," Kejriwal also said.

All four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail in the wee hours of Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-day-for-all-the-women-of-this-country-says-nirbhayas-father-after-convicts-hanged-in-delhi-287479">It's a day for all the women of this country, says Nirbhaya's father after convicts hanged in Delhi</a>

In December 2012, a 23-year-old woman, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' and 'Damini' (fearless), was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi.

In later days, her situation continued to deteriorate and on December 29, she succumbed to injuries in a Singapore hospital.&nbsp;

A total of six people -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were convicted in the gang rape and murder of the paramedic student.

Hours after the hanging of Nirbhaya case convicts, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stressed on the need of the strong judicial system and said that there are a lot of loopholes because of which it took seven years for the justice to be delivered.

Hours after the hanging of Nirbhaya case convicts, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stressed on the need of the strong judicial system and said that there are a lot of loopholes because of which it took seven years for the justice to be delivered. Also read: I hugged picture of my daughter and said today you got justice: Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi "It took seven years for justice to be delivered... We have seen how the convicts manipulated the law. There are a lot of loopholes in our system that encourage the wrongdoers, we need to improve the system," Kejriwal said while speaking to news agency ANI. Also read: Nirbhaya case timeline - How events unfolded over the years The chief minister also said, "The police system and the judicial system need to be fixed. The convicts should be hanged within six months. We need to take all the steps so that the women feel safe. We have to install CCTV cameras across Delhi. Street lights need to be installed at the dark spots". "Today, we have to take a pledge that a similar incident does not happen again," Kejriwal also said. All four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail in the wee hours of Friday. Also read: It's a day for all the women of this country, says Nirbhaya's father after convicts hanged in Delhi In December 2012, a 23-year-old woman, who came to be known as 'Nirbhaya' and 'Damini' (fearless), was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi. In later days, her situation continued to deteriorate and on December 29, she succumbed to injuries in a Singapore hospital. A total of six people -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were convicted in the gang rape and murder of the paramedic student.

There are a lot of loopholes in our judiciary system: Delhi CM Kejriwal after Nirbhaya convicts hanging

The death toll in violence in the Indian capital Delhi has risen to 32. The Anti-CAA protests have now turned into violent riots. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to maintain harmony and peace.

India: Death toll in Delhi violence rises to 32

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent.&nbsp;

What we have today are political minions. It is expected of political leaders to come out and reason with the crowd, but instead of working on the ground, the matter in Delhi was left to the police as a law and order issue. Everyone knew that violence was a result of communal politics, still&nbsp;all party leaders maintained a safe distance.&nbsp;

The violence has two main dimensions. First, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, failed to demonstrate moral courage and instead of mobilising his supporters to heal the fissure, he only issued statements. It is a reflection of how shallow connect politicians enjoy with the civil society.

This is unlike the previous generation wherein it was expected of people in public service to go out and calm the crowd. Arvind Kejriwal who was elected as the chief minister of Delhi with great fanfare, failed to intercede in the issue. His supporters argue that he does not have police under his control, so he cannot be blamed for law and order issue. Fact is that since last year, Kejriwal has created a distance between the minorities and himself so that BJP does not pin him down as a person who pampers minority. But by not being active during the crisis, Kejriwal, in the process, has come across as insincere politician who succumbed to competitive Hindutva.&nbsp;

After partition, Mahatma Gandhi had nothing under his control, but he used his moral authority to bring peace in riot-affected areas. This could have been done in Delhi too.

Another aspect of the riot was that politicians from BJP spoke blatantly in Hindu-Muslim binary. Senior leaders did not discourage junior leaders from using inflammatory language. Senior BJP leadership's appeal for calm came across as unconvincing.&nbsp;

Politicians from the ruling dispensation not only made hate speeches but also went unpunished, emboldening the unruly element to take the law into their own hands.

The police, on the other hand, failed to counter the unruly elements in the riot-affected area. The police in Delhi reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Despite all the technology at its disposal, it failed to locate the centre of violence in the city. Delhi riots cannot be compared with the 1984 violence when the state became completely complicit in the violence. In Delhi, the state allowed the violence to come to life. Delhi Police failed to arrest culprits in time.

Whatever the reason be, pro-CAA protests or anti-CAA protests, Delhi police failed at its job. NSA Ajit Doval’s presence in the area after 72 hours of violence sealed the case. It is not the job of the NSA to move around in a riot-hit area like a DCP or IG. NSA chased by TV cameras looked more like a PR job.&nbsp;

The religious radicals from both sides were allowed to have a free run. Lastly, many in the ruling dispensation must be happy to have found another issue for polarisation but they should remember that in Hindu literature only Goddess rides a tiger. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent.

Riots in Delhi mark an abject failure of political leadership cutting across party lines, to bring people together. There was a point in time in Indian politics when politicians or people in public service had the capacity to control, and even, influence events which turned violent. What we have today are political minions. It is expected of political leaders to come out and reason with the crowd, but instead of working on the ground, the matter in Delhi was left to the police as a law and order issue. Everyone knew that violence was a result of communal politics, still all party leaders maintained a safe distance. The violence has two main dimensions. First, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, failed to demonstrate moral courage and instead of mobilising his supporters to heal the fissure, he only issued statements. It is a reflection of how shallow connect politicians enjoy with the civil society. This is unlike the previous generation wherein it was expected of people in public service to go out and calm the crowd. Arvind Kejriwal who was elected as the chief minister of Delhi with great fanfare, failed to intercede in the issue. His supporters argue that he does not have police under his control, so he cannot be blamed for law and order issue. Fact is that since last year, Kejriwal has created a distance between the minorities and himself so that BJP does not pin him down as a person who pampers minority. But by not being active during the crisis, Kejriwal, in the process, has come across as insincere politician who succumbed to competitive Hindutva. After partition, Mahatma Gandhi had nothing under his control, but he used his moral authority to bring peace in riot-affected areas. This could have been done in Delhi too. Another aspect of the riot was that politicians from BJP spoke blatantly in Hindu-Muslim binary. Senior leaders did not discourage junior leaders from using inflammatory language. Senior BJP leadership's appeal for calm came across as unconvincing. Politicians from the ruling dispensation not only made hate speeches but also went unpunished, emboldening the unruly element to take the law into their own hands. The police, on the other hand, failed to counter the unruly elements in the riot-affected area. The police in Delhi reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Despite all the technology at its disposal, it failed to locate the centre of violence in the city. Delhi riots cannot be compared with the 1984 violence when the state became completely complicit in the violence. In Delhi, the state allowed the violence to come to life. Delhi Police failed to arrest culprits in time. Whatever the reason be, pro-CAA protests or anti-CAA protests, Delhi police failed at its job. NSA Ajit Doval’s presence in the area after 72 hours of violence sealed the case. It is not the job of the NSA to move around in a riot-hit area like a DCP or IG. NSA chased by TV cameras looked more like a PR job. The religious radicals from both sides were allowed to have a free run. Lastly, many in the ruling dispensation must be happy to have found another issue for polarisation but they should remember that in Hindu literature only Goddess rides a tiger. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Delhi burnt under Centre's watch?

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for stringent punishment for anyone found guilty and "double punishment" if any Aam Aadmi Party leader is found involved in the Delhi violence.

"There should be no politics on the issue of national security," the Chief Minister&nbsp;said at a press briefing in the national capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-violence-high-court-makes-centre-party-in-case-seeking-fir-over-hate-speech-death-toll-rise-to-34-283109">Also read: Delhi violence - High Court makes Centre party in case seeking FIR over hate speech; death toll rise to 34</a>

"No rioter from whichever party they belong should be spared," Kejriwal&nbsp;also said.

Kejriwal's comments came in a response to the allegations AAP councillor Tahir Hussain was behind the killing of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer, who was found dead in a drain near his home in northeast Delhi's riot-hit Chand Bagh area.&nbsp;Hussain has rejected the allegations.

Ankit Sharma, 26, had gone missing on Tuesday and his body was found in a drain near his home in on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-chairs-meet-with-kejriwal-others-to-discuss-situation-in-delhi-282625">Also read: Amit Shah chairs meet with Kejriwal, others to discuss situation in Delhi</a>

During the briefing, Kejriwal also announced to give Rs 10 lakh to families of those killed in the riots while Rs 5 lakh will be given to those who were seriously injured.

"Under the Delhi Government's 'Farishte' scheme of free-of-cost medical treatment at any private hospital, those affected in this violence can get medical treatment. Compensation of Rs 10 lakhs each to families of those who have died," said Kejriwal.&nbsp;

Violent clashes erupted in the parts of the northeast area of Delhi last week after rival groups clashed over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The clashes led to widespread vandalism and arson for over two days while at least 34 people lost their lives. Over 200 were injured.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the situation is under control and is moving towards normalcy.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for stringent punishment for anyone found guilty and "double punishment" if any Aam Aadmi Party leader is found involved in the Delhi violence.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called for stringent punishment for anyone found guilty and "double punishment" if any Aam Aadmi Party leader is found involved in the Delhi violence. "There should be no politics on the issue of national security," the Chief Minister said at a press briefing in the national capital. Also read: Delhi violence - High Court makes Centre party in case seeking FIR over hate speech; death toll rise to 34 "No rioter from whichever party they belong should be spared," Kejriwal also said. Kejriwal's comments came in a response to the allegations AAP councillor Tahir Hussain was behind the killing of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer, who was found dead in a drain near his home in northeast Delhi's riot-hit Chand Bagh area. Hussain has rejected the allegations. Ankit Sharma, 26, had gone missing on Tuesday and his body was found in a drain near his home in on Wednesday. Also read: Amit Shah chairs meet with Kejriwal, others to discuss situation in Delhi During the briefing, Kejriwal also announced to give Rs 10 lakh to families of those killed in the riots while Rs 5 lakh will be given to those who were seriously injured. "Under the Delhi Government's 'Farishte' scheme of free-of-cost medical treatment at any private hospital, those affected in this violence can get medical treatment. Compensation of Rs 10 lakhs each to families of those who have died," said Kejriwal. Violent clashes erupted in the parts of the northeast area of Delhi last week after rival groups clashed over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The clashes led to widespread vandalism and arson for over two days while at least 34 people lost their lives. Over 200 were injured. Speaking to media on Wednesday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the situation is under control and is moving towards normalcy.

Give 'double punishment' if AAP leader found guilty in Delhi violence: Kejriwal on allegations against party councillor

After clashes erupted between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protestors in North-East Delhi, AAP leader Aman Arora on Tuesday said that the Centre has "miserably failed" to handle law and order situation in the national capital.

After clashes erupted between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protestors in North-East Delhi, AAP leader Aman Arora on Tuesday said that the Centre has "miserably failed" to handle law and order situation in the national capital. "Firstly, the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have implemented the wrong legislation. Secondly, they have miserably failed to handle the situation. Law and order in Delhi come under Amit Shah and they are responsible for this mess," Arora told reporters. He said that the nation-wide protests against CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC) are because of the laws enacted by the Home Ministry and the central government. Also Read: Amit Shah chairs meet with Kejriwal, others to discuss situation in Delhi "Unfortunately, the Prime Minister and Amit Shah tried to take political benefit out of it due to the Delhi Assembly elections instead of resolving that issue," Arora said. He added, "The nation wants to know why the Centre is delaying to diffuse the situation and something like this would not have emerged if they had handled the situation properly." Also Read: One policeman killed in clashes during CAA protests in Delhi Arora's remarks came after seven people were killed and over 100 injured in clashes over CAA in North-East Delhi on Monday. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Khajuri Khas and Bhajanpura of the national capital on Tuesday in the wake of violent incidents in these areas. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and other political leaders regarding the violence and prevailing situation in Delhi.

Centre 'miserably failed' to handle law and order in Delhi: AAP's Aman Arora

Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyendar Jain has been allocated the crucial Water Department, held by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the party's previous government, sources said on Monday.

Senior AAP leader and party's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai has been given the Environment Department, while Rajendra Pal Gautam will handle the Women and Child Development Department, sources told PTI.

There will be no major changes in other portfolios, they indicated.

Jain will now take care of the Delhi Jal Board, apart from handling the crucial Public Works Department, Health, Power and Urban Development, which he was in-charge of in the last government.

The Environment Department was being earlier handled by Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, while the WCD was under senior leader Manish Sisodia.

Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyendar Jain has been allocated the crucial Water Department, held by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the party's previous government, sources said on Monday.

Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyendar Jain has been allocated the crucial Water Department, held by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the party's previous government, sources said on Monday. Senior AAP leader and party's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai has been given the Environment Department, while Rajendra Pal Gautam will handle the Women and Child Development Department, sources told PTI. There will be no major changes in other portfolios, they indicated. Jain will now take care of the Delhi Jal Board, apart from handling the crucial Public Works Department, Health, Power and Urban Development, which he was in-charge of in the last government. The Environment Department was being earlier handled by Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, while the WCD was under senior leader Manish Sisodia.

Delhi government portfolio: Water goes to Satyendar Jain, Rai gets environment

Striking a conciliatory note, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-will-work-for-everyone-says-kejriwal-after-taking-oath-as-delhi-cm-280909">Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "blessing" for Delhi's progress and said that he "forgave" his rivals for the remarks against him during the campaign, while crediting the people of the city with ushering in a new kind of politics which is development-oriented.

Addressing a gathering at Ramlila Maidan after taking oath for the third time, he vowed to continue working for the fast-paced progress of the national capital, and defended the populist schemes of his government, which struck a cord with the voters, saying he can't charge people for basic amenities.

The new politics is "of schools, hospitals, 24-hour and cheap power supply, water, roads, women's security, corruption-free Delhi and is being discussed all over the country, he said, adding that initiatives like mohalla clinics are being replicated across the country and abroad.

Responding to his critics over freebies, the chief minister said, "They say Kejriwal is making everything free, but I want to say that everything precious in the world is free. The love that a mother has for her child is precious and priceless, the fact that a father stays hungry to afford a good future for his child is priceless. Shravan Kumar served his parents with all his might. Kejriwal is your Shravan Kumar."

"Do I start charging people for education and health? Do I start charging patients for their operations? That is not possible," he said during his 20-minute speech.

Setting his new government's roadmap for the next five years, Kejriwal, who during his previous tenure had several run-ins with the Centre, asserted that he would work in coordination with the BJP-led central government and sought cooperation from political parties, saying he wants to work with everybody.

"I had invited the prime minister for the oath-taking ceremony today, but I think he could not make it because he might have been busy. I want the PM to bless us so that we can work for the development and progress of Delhi."

He said people voted for the AAP, BJP, Congress, and other political parties, but he was the chief minister of all.

"I want to work with everybody. It is obvious that there would be heated exchanges among political parties during elections. We have forgiven our opposition for whatever remarks they made about us. I would also like to request the opposition parties to forget what happened during the elections," Kejriwal said.

Several BJP leaders had made controversial and even incendiary remarks against their rivals during campaigning. MP Parvesh Verma, in a public meeting, had termed Kejriwal a "terrorist".

"I want to say to the two crore people of Delhi, irrespective of whom you voted for in the elections or what party you belong to, you are my family now. You can come to me without any hesitation and I will complete all your work, irrespective of your political affiliation, caste and whether you are rich or poor," he said.

"We have to do a lot of work in Delhi. I cannot do it alone, I need your support in making Delhi the most developed and beautiful city in the world," he told the crowd.

Lauding the people of Delhi for "changing" the politics of the country, Kejriwal asserted that it is everybody's dream to have a developed Delhi and India which can be appreciated all around the world. "This would be possible only through new politics which has been started by you all."

According to party leader Gopal Rai, the AAP will launch a nationwide campaign from February 23 to March 23 to connect with one crore people.

He sought to project his 'Delhi Model' at a national level as he said that several states have started setting up mohalla clinics and following his government's works.

"Kejriwal loves his people and hence this love is free... I should be ashamed if I charge those who take treatment in government hospitals or study in government schools," the chief minister said.

Asserting that in the last five years he has worked for all and there was no step-motherly treatment towards anyone, Kejriwal told the crowd at the Ramlila Maidan, "Your son has taken oath for the third time as Delhi chief minister. This is not my victory but yours."

"In the last five years, we tried to fast pace Delhi's development and in the next five years, we will continue to do the same."

The AAP national convener began his address with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad' and ended it by singing 'Hum Honge Kamyaab', in which he was joined by the crowd.

The Aam Aadmi Party had planned to keep the swearing-in ceremony "Delhi-specific" and hence did not invite chief ministers of other states or political leaders.

Instead, around 50 people from different walks of life who have contributed to the development of the city during the last five years shared the stage with Kejriwal as special guests during his oath-taking ceremony.

"Delhi's 'nirmatas' (makers) are sitting here... Lakhs of 'nirmatas' run Delhi... Politicians come and go but Delhi's 'nirmata' run Delhi," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

Striking a conciliatory note, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "blessing" for Delhi's progress and said that he "forgave" his rivals for the remarks against him during the campaign, while crediting the people of the city with ushering in a new kind of politics which is development-oriented.

Striking a conciliatory note, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "blessing" for Delhi's progress and said that he "forgave" his rivals for the remarks against him during the campaign, while crediting the people of the city with ushering in a new kind of politics which is development-oriented. Addressing a gathering at Ramlila Maidan after taking oath for the third time, he vowed to continue working for the fast-paced progress of the national capital, and defended the populist schemes of his government, which struck a cord with the voters, saying he can't charge people for basic amenities. The new politics is "of schools, hospitals, 24-hour and cheap power supply, water, roads, women's security, corruption-free Delhi and is being discussed all over the country, he said, adding that initiatives like mohalla clinics are being replicated across the country and abroad. Responding to his critics over freebies, the chief minister said, "They say Kejriwal is making everything free, but I want to say that everything precious in the world is free. The love that a mother has for her child is precious and priceless, the fact that a father stays hungry to afford a good future for his child is priceless. Shravan Kumar served his parents with all his might. Kejriwal is your Shravan Kumar." "Do I start charging people for education and health? Do I start charging patients for their operations? That is not possible," he said during his 20-minute speech. Setting his new government's roadmap for the next five years, Kejriwal, who during his previous tenure had several run-ins with the Centre, asserted that he would work in coordination with the BJP-led central government and sought cooperation from political parties, saying he wants to work with everybody. "I had invited the prime minister for the oath-taking ceremony today, but I think he could not make it because he might have been busy. I want the PM to bless us so that we can work for the development and progress of Delhi." He said people voted for the AAP, BJP, Congress, and other political parties, but he was the chief minister of all. "I want to work with everybody. It is obvious that there would be heated exchanges among political parties during elections. We have forgiven our opposition for whatever remarks they made about us. I would also like to request the opposition parties to forget what happened during the elections," Kejriwal said. Several BJP leaders had made controversial and even incendiary remarks against their rivals during campaigning. MP Parvesh Verma, in a public meeting, had termed Kejriwal a "terrorist". "I want to say to the two crore people of Delhi, irrespective of whom you voted for in the elections or what party you belong to, you are my family now. You can come to me without any hesitation and I will complete all your work, irrespective of your political affiliation, caste and whether you are rich or poor," he said. "We have to do a lot of work in Delhi. I cannot do it alone, I need your support in making Delhi the most developed and beautiful city in the world," he told the crowd. Lauding the people of Delhi for "changing" the politics of the country, Kejriwal asserted that it is everybody's dream to have a developed Delhi and India which can be appreciated all around the world. "This would be possible only through new politics which has been started by you all." According to party leader Gopal Rai, the AAP will launch a nationwide campaign from February 23 to March 23 to connect with one crore people. He sought to project his 'Delhi Model' at a national level as he said that several states have started setting up mohalla clinics and following his government's works. "Kejriwal loves his people and hence this love is free... I should be ashamed if I charge those who take treatment in government hospitals or study in government schools," the chief minister said. Asserting that in the last five years he has worked for all and there was no step-motherly treatment towards anyone, Kejriwal told the crowd at the Ramlila Maidan, "Your son has taken oath for the third time as Delhi chief minister. This is not my victory but yours." "In the last five years, we tried to fast pace Delhi's development and in the next five years, we will continue to do the same." The AAP national convener began his address with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad' and ended it by singing 'Hum Honge Kamyaab', in which he was joined by the crowd. The Aam Aadmi Party had planned to keep the swearing-in ceremony "Delhi-specific" and hence did not invite chief ministers of other states or political leaders. Instead, around 50 people from different walks of life who have contributed to the development of the city during the last five years shared the stage with Kejriwal as special guests during his oath-taking ceremony. "Delhi's 'nirmatas' (makers) are sitting here... Lakhs of 'nirmatas' run Delhi... Politicians come and go but Delhi's 'nirmata' run Delhi," Kejriwal said.

Want to work with Centre for smooth governance, says Kejriwal at Ramlila Maidan

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal took oath as the chief minister of Delhi for the third consecutive time on Sunday (February 16) at Delhi's iconic Ramlila Maidan. Besides Kejriwal, all the six ministers in the previous government - Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Imran Hussain and Rajendra Gautam - also took oath as ministers in Delhi government.

Arvind Kejriwal takes oath as Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time

Big banners bearing messages like 'Dhanyawad Dilli' along with Arvind Kejriwal's image were put up in and around the historic Ramlila Maidan for the swearing-in of the AAP supremo as chief minister of Delhi for the third successive time at an event on Sunday which is "open to public" but won't see the usual gathering of political heavyweights.

Around 50 people from different walks of life who are 'Delhi ke Nirmata' and contributed to the development of the city during the last five years will share the stage with Kejriwal during his ceremony as special guests, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said.

Those invited include international tennis player Sumit Nagal, Delhi government school student and beneficiary of Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana who cracked IIT Vijay Kumar, mohalla clinic doctor Alka, bike ambulance service officer Yudhishtir Rathee, night shelter caretaker Shabina Naaz, bus marshall Arun Kumar, Signature bridge architect Ratan Jamshed Batliboi and metro pilot Nidhi Gupta.

From sprucing up the sprawling ground to extensive traffic and security arrangements, workers and authorities were busy making final preparations on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the ceremony, besides BJP MPs and MLAs from Delhi. The AAP had said no chief minister or political leader from other states will be part of the event as it will be a "Delhi-specific" ceremony.

On the eve of swearing-in ceremony, Kejriwal called a dinner meeting of his ministers-designate to discuss the roadmap for Delhi's development, especially the initiatives that need to be prioritised in the coming three months, according to party functionaries.

All the six ministers in the previous government -- Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain and Rajendra Gautam -- have been retained.

With AAP scripting its third consecutive win in the Delhi assembly elections, the excitement was palpable among party workers and senior leaders alike, all of whom were expecting a huge crowd at the event.

Workers were on Saturday giving a fresh paint job to the white ceremonial platform at the Ramlila Maidan, and the area around it was being decked up with potted plants and flowers.

A large contingent of security personnel was given briefing by Delhi Police authorities at the Maidan.

Officials said 2,000 to 3,000 security personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, including the CRPF, were being deployed for the ceremony which is scheduled to begin at 10 am. Drones were likely to be used for aerial surveillance.

Traffic regulations will be in place in the area from 8 am to 2 pm, they said.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said as this is an event open for public.

"We are expecting a good number of people to turn up tomorrow," he said.

"Baby Mufflerman'' Aavyan Tomar, who stole the hearts when he dressed up as the AAP convenor on counting day, is a 'special invitee' at the ceremony.

The AAP supremo had on Thursday extended invitation to Delhiites to attend his oath-taking ceremony to "bless their son". Advertisements were also issued in leading dailies.

"Delhiites, your son is going to take oath of Delhi chief minister for the third time. You must come to bless your son. Sunday, February 16, 10 am, Ramlila Maidan," Kejriwal, 51, had tweeted in Hindi.

There was some controversy as newly-elected BJP MLA Vijender Gupta wrote to Kejriwal objecting to a circular that made it "compulsory" for government school teachers to attend his oath-taking ceremony as Delhi chief minister.

Gupta, leader of Opposition in the previous assembly, called the Friday's circular "dictatorial" and said it had shattered his belief that Kejriwal's focus after coming back to power would be on governance and strengthening democratic ethos.

"By virtue of the order, 15,000 teachers and officials will have to attend the oath ceremony," Gupta, who has been re-elected from Rohini constituency, wrote in his letter to Kejriwal.

The BJP MLA, however, said he would attend Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony.

Sisodia rejected the BJP's allegations, saying the teachers have been invited not ordered. He said that the BJP does not know how to respect teachers and that is the reason they make such statements

"Today a dream comes true. This dream is not just ours but of the people of Delhi and the real makers of Delhi - 'Delhi ke Nirmata'.

"They will represent various sectors and be with the Chief Minister as special guests on a specially designated stage. Collaborating with them, the government will pursue development works and schemes in Delhi effectively in the next five years also. We had a good five years. Next five years will be even better," Sisodia added.

He said Kejriwal's victory is the victory of those who dream to make Delhi a world-class city and work tirelessly for it.

In a near-repeat performance of 2015, the Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, which was floated in November 2012, retained power with a scintillating win in the just-concluded Delhi Assembly polls, trouncing its main rival BJP and completely decimating the Congress in a keenly-watched battle that took place in the midst of anti-CAA protests.

As the AAP bagged 62 out of the 70 seats, leaders cutting across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) had congratulated Kejriwal for the victory.

For bureaucrat-turned-politician who will assume the post of Delhi chief minister for the third time, the Ramlila Maidan holds special significance as it had served as his battleground during the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption movement.

The Delhi government, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, which owns the Maidan, and Public Works Department are working in tandem to make the venue ready for the occasion.

"We had levelled the ground during the PM's event that took place recently. So, other groundwork is being done. The PWD is making necessary arrangements too," a senior NDMC official said.

Toilet blocks are in place in and around the Maidan. Arrangements for other sanitation facilities like mobile toilets are being done, he said.

The ground, where socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan had addressed a massive gathering during the 'Total Revolution' movement in the 1970s, has a capacity of about 1.25 lakh people.

Sources said that besides seating arrangements, there will be space for people to stand.

In 2015 too, Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony had taken place at Ramlila Maidan. It was held on February 14, coinciding with the Valentine's Day.

In 2013 after his party's first poll victory, the swearing-in ceremony was held at the same venue. Over a lakh, people had attended the event on December 29 that year.

The AAP had in 2015 stunned its opponents with a massive win in the assembly polls, clinching 67 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

Kejriwal repeated his triumph in the high-profile New Delhi constituency, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party's Sunil Kumar Yadav by a margin of 21,697 votes.

Big banners bearing messages like 'Dhanyawad Dilli' along with Arvind Kejriwal's image were put up in and around the historic Ramlila Maidan for the swearing-in of the AAP supremo as chief minister of Delhi for the third successive time at an event on Sunday which is "open to public" but won't see the usual gathering of political heavyweights.

Big banners bearing messages like 'Dhanyawad Dilli' along with Arvind Kejriwal's image were put up in and around the historic Ramlila Maidan for the swearing-in of the AAP supremo as chief minister of Delhi for the third successive time at an event on Sunday which is "open to public" but won't see the usual gathering of political heavyweights. Around 50 people from different walks of life who are 'Delhi ke Nirmata' and contributed to the development of the city during the last five years will share the stage with Kejriwal during his ceremony as special guests, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said. Those invited include international tennis player Sumit Nagal, Delhi government school student and beneficiary of Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana who cracked IIT Vijay Kumar, mohalla clinic doctor Alka, bike ambulance service officer Yudhishtir Rathee, night shelter caretaker Shabina Naaz, bus marshall Arun Kumar, Signature bridge architect Ratan Jamshed Batliboi and metro pilot Nidhi Gupta. From sprucing up the sprawling ground to extensive traffic and security arrangements, workers and authorities were busy making final preparations on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the ceremony, besides BJP MPs and MLAs from Delhi. The AAP had said no chief minister or political leader from other states will be part of the event as it will be a "Delhi-specific" ceremony. On the eve of swearing-in ceremony, Kejriwal called a dinner meeting of his ministers-designate to discuss the roadmap for Delhi's development, especially the initiatives that need to be prioritised in the coming three months, according to party functionaries. All the six ministers in the previous government -- Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gehlot, Imran Hussain and Rajendra Gautam -- have been retained. With AAP scripting its third consecutive win in the Delhi assembly elections, the excitement was palpable among party workers and senior leaders alike, all of whom were expecting a huge crowd at the event. Workers were on Saturday giving a fresh paint job to the white ceremonial platform at the Ramlila Maidan, and the area around it was being decked up with potted plants and flowers. A large contingent of security personnel was given briefing by Delhi Police authorities at the Maidan. Officials said 2,000 to 3,000 security personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, including the CRPF, were being deployed for the ceremony which is scheduled to begin at 10 am. Drones were likely to be used for aerial surveillance. Traffic regulations will be in place in the area from 8 am to 2 pm, they said. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said as this is an event open for public. "We are expecting a good number of people to turn up tomorrow," he said. "Baby Mufflerman'' Aavyan Tomar, who stole the hearts when he dressed up as the AAP convenor on counting day, is a 'special invitee' at the ceremony. The AAP supremo had on Thursday extended invitation to Delhiites to attend his oath-taking ceremony to "bless their son". Advertisements were also issued in leading dailies. "Delhiites, your son is going to take oath of Delhi chief minister for the third time. You must come to bless your son. Sunday, February 16, 10 am, Ramlila Maidan," Kejriwal, 51, had tweeted in Hindi. There was some controversy as newly-elected BJP MLA Vijender Gupta wrote to Kejriwal objecting to a circular that made it "compulsory" for government school teachers to attend his oath-taking ceremony as Delhi chief minister. Gupta, leader of Opposition in the previous assembly, called the Friday's circular "dictatorial" and said it had shattered his belief that Kejriwal's focus after coming back to power would be on governance and strengthening democratic ethos. "By virtue of the order, 15,000 teachers and officials will have to attend the oath ceremony," Gupta, who has been re-elected from Rohini constituency, wrote in his letter to Kejriwal. The BJP MLA, however, said he would attend Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony. Sisodia rejected the BJP's allegations, saying the teachers have been invited not ordered. He said that the BJP does not know how to respect teachers and that is the reason they make such statements "Today a dream comes true. This dream is not just ours but of the people of Delhi and the real makers of Delhi - 'Delhi ke Nirmata'. "They will represent various sectors and be with the Chief Minister as special guests on a specially designated stage. Collaborating with them, the government will pursue development works and schemes in Delhi effectively in the next five years also. We had a good five years. Next five years will be even better," Sisodia added. He said Kejriwal's victory is the victory of those who dream to make Delhi a world-class city and work tirelessly for it. In a near-repeat performance of 2015, the Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, which was floated in November 2012, retained power with a scintillating win in the just-concluded Delhi Assembly polls, trouncing its main rival BJP and completely decimating the Congress in a keenly-watched battle that took place in the midst of anti-CAA protests. As the AAP bagged 62 out of the 70 seats, leaders cutting across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) had congratulated Kejriwal for the victory. For bureaucrat-turned-politician who will assume the post of Delhi chief minister for the third time, the Ramlila Maidan holds special significance as it had served as his battleground during the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption movement. The Delhi government, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, which owns the Maidan, and Public Works Department are working in tandem to make the venue ready for the occasion. "We had levelled the ground during the PM's event that took place recently. So, other groundwork is being done. The PWD is making necessary arrangements too," a senior NDMC official said. Toilet blocks are in place in and around the Maidan. Arrangements for other sanitation facilities like mobile toilets are being done, he said. The ground, where socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan had addressed a massive gathering during the 'Total Revolution' movement in the 1970s, has a capacity of about 1.25 lakh people. Sources said that besides seating arrangements, there will be space for people to stand. In 2015 too, Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony had taken place at Ramlila Maidan. It was held on February 14, coinciding with the Valentine's Day. In 2013 after his party's first poll victory, the swearing-in ceremony was held at the same venue. Over a lakh, people had attended the event on December 29 that year. The AAP had in 2015 stunned its opponents with a massive win in the assembly polls, clinching 67 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal repeated his triumph in the high-profile New Delhi constituency, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party's Sunil Kumar Yadav by a margin of 21,697 votes.

AAP's Kejriwal all set to swear-in as chief minister for the third time on Sunday

Arvind Kejriwal is all set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time on February 16 and among the guests, the party also invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">baby mufflerman</a> who went viral on the day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-to-be-sworn-in-as-delhi-chief-minister-on-february-16-280211">Delhi Assembly election counting day</a>.

In a post on Twitter, the party announced that the child has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony while asking the kid to "suit up".

"Big Announcement:&nbsp;

Baby Mufflerman is invited to the swearing-in ceremony of @ArvindKejriwal on 16th Feb.&nbsp;

Suit up Junior!," the tweet read.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Big Announcement: 
 
Baby Mufflerman is invited to the swearing in ceremony of <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> on 16th Feb. 
 
Suit up Junior! <a href="https://t.co/GRtbQiz0Is">pic.twitter.com/GRtbQiz0Is</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1227852934664163329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On February 11, AAP swept Delhi in Assembly elections as it bagged 62 seats out 70. However, the real show-stealer was one-year-old Aavyaan Tomar whose photo went viral on social media. In the picture, posted by AAP, Tomar supported AAP cap, a sweater and Kejriwal like moustache.&nbsp;

The picture was posted with a caption reading "mufflerman".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2020-pm-modi-congratulates-kejriwal-as-aap-sweeps-delhi-280100">Also read: Assembly election 2020 - PM Modi congratulates Kejriwal as AAP sweeps Delhi</a>

The image immediately went viral on social media as people adored the cute little "mufflerman".

Arvind Kejriwal is to take oath as Delhi chief minister on February 16 for the third time at the Ramlila Maidan.

Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan assumes significance as it was from this ground that he along with Anna Hazare led a massive anti-corruption agitation.

He has taken oath as the chief minister twice before at the same venue.

Arvind Kejriwal is all set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time on February 16 and among the guests, the party also invited baby mufflerman who went viral on the day of Delhi Assembly election counting day.

Arvind Kejriwal is all set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time on February 16 and among the guests, the party also invited baby mufflerman who went viral on the day of Delhi Assembly election counting day. In a post on Twitter, the party announced that the child has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony while asking the kid to "suit up". "Big Announcement: Baby Mufflerman is invited to the swearing-in ceremony of @ArvindKejriwal on 16th Feb. Suit up Junior!," the tweet read. Big Announcement: Baby Mufflerman is invited to the swearing in ceremony of @ArvindKejriwal on 16th Feb. Suit up Junior! pic.twitter.com/GRtbQiz0Is — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 13, 2020 × On February 11, AAP swept Delhi in Assembly elections as it bagged 62 seats out 70. However, the real show-stealer was one-year-old Aavyaan Tomar whose photo went viral on social media. In the picture, posted by AAP, Tomar supported AAP cap, a sweater and Kejriwal like moustache. The picture was posted with a caption reading "mufflerman". Also read: Assembly election 2020 - PM Modi congratulates Kejriwal as AAP sweeps Delhi The image immediately went viral on social media as people adored the cute little "mufflerman". Arvind Kejriwal is to take oath as Delhi chief minister on February 16 for the third time at the Ramlila Maidan. Kejriwal's oath-taking ceremony at the Ramlila Maidan assumes significance as it was from this ground that he along with Anna Hazare led a massive anti-corruption agitation. He has taken oath as the chief minister twice before at the same venue.

'Suit up': AAP invites baby 'mufflerman' to Kejriwal's swearing-in ceremony

The Election Commission declared final results of <a href="Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism">Delhi Assembly elections</a>; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight. Meanwhile, Congress stared at a duck with zero seats.

Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

"Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter.

All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai emerged victoriously.

Here are the big winners and losers of the keenly-watched battle of the national capital.

Winners 
AAP's Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi)&nbsp; 
AAP's Manish Sisodia (Patparganj) 
AAP's Atishi Marlena (Kalkaji) 
AAP's Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar) 
AAP's Amanatullah Khan (Okhla) 
AAP's Om Prakash Sharma (Vishwas Nagar) 
AAP's Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) 
BJP's VIjender Gupta (Rohini)

Losers 
BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (Hari Nagar) 
BJP's Kapil Mishra (Model Town) 
Congress' Alka Lamba (Chandini Chowk) 
Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar)

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission declared final results of Delhi Assembly elections; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight.

The Election Commission declared final results of Delhi Assembly elections; according to the final counting, Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats while BJP won eight. Meanwhile, Congress stared at a duck with zero seats. Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 "Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter. All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai emerged victoriously. Here are the big winners and losers of the keenly-watched battle of the national capital. Winners AAP's Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi) AAP's Manish Sisodia (Patparganj) AAP's Atishi Marlena (Kalkaji) AAP's Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar) AAP's Amanatullah Khan (Okhla) AAP's Om Prakash Sharma (Vishwas Nagar) AAP's Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) BJP's VIjender Gupta (Rohini) Losers BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (Hari Nagar) BJP's Kapil Mishra (Model Town) Congress' Alka Lamba (Chandini Chowk) Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar)

Delhi Assembly election result: Big winners and losers of keenly-watched battle

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra&nbsp;Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/thank-you-hanuman-ji-why-aap-swept-delhi-280258">Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi</a>

As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-aap-sweeps-national-capital-with-62-seats-kejriwal-to-hold-closed-door-meeting-280140">Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting</a>

1. A reliable face 
 
Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in&nbsp;parliamentary polls.&nbsp;

Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue.&nbsp;

2. A positive campaign

On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for&nbsp;CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal).&nbsp;

Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received.&nbsp;

3. Nationalism 
 
Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses.

Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

4. Minority factor

Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies -&nbsp;Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 
 
5. Focussing on state-related issues

AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools.&nbsp;

Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years.&nbsp;

However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats.

It is a commonly used cliché: History repeats itself. But no other expression can appropriately describe Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) spectacular performance which is reminiscent of 2015 when the party won 67 out of the total 70 seats. In 2014 general elections, AAP was swept away by Narendra Modi wave, but less than a year later, they won Delhi with a historic margin. A similar political event concluded yesterday, when AAP after facing a clear and humiliating rejection in 2019 by the same Delhi voters, was welcomed with astonishing support. Also read: Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi As India moves towards East with crucial elections in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal, here’s what BJP rivals can learn from AAP in order to counter the might of the saffron party. Also read: Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting 1. A reliable face Delhi elections once again reiterate the point that voters’ preferences are smarter now in the state and national polls, and these choices can be completely in contrast with each other. This argument was proved in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, where BJP’s performance was below par despite an emphatic win in parliamentary polls. Even though BJP used all its big names which were led by astute election strategist Amit Shah, still it couldn’t answer on who will be the CM if the party is voted to power? And AAP cornered BJP on this issue. 2. A positive campaign On one hand, BJP was using words like ‘terrorist’ for CM and indulged in fear-mongering, AAP’s campaign was focussed on their work, which was also resembled by their slogan: Acche beete 5 saal, lage raho Kejriwal (Good job in the last five years, keep up Kejriwal). Kejriwal and his team did not fall into any negative commentary despite provocation from the BJP. AAP countered the hate speeches by highlighting their work in cheapening electricity, water supply, improving Delhi government schools and giving free bus rides to women. A large part of the credit also goes to political strategist Prashant Kishor who ensured that AAP’s campaign remained polite yet enthusiastic and the message was rightly received. 3. Nationalism Arvind Kejriwal ensured that nationalism is not a sole property of BJP, and thereby, he and AAP appreciated Centre’s actions of revoking of Article 370 and Balakot airstrikes. Chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram were heard in AAP rallies and free teerth yatra (pilgrimage) and Kejriwal promoting himself as a Hanuman bhakt gained popular support from the masses. Delhi elections came at a time when BJP was facing strong nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. BJP unsuccessfully tried to incite voters that AAP is siding with the minority protesters. However, AAP leaders refused to take any stand on the issue, sensing that their inclination to any side will divide the voters. The plan worked as the party got massive support cutting across religious lines. 4. Minority factor Even though Kejriwal projected himself as a Hanuman bhakt, he and his party did not do any damage to their secular credentials. AAP won all the five minority-dominated constituencies - Mahal, Okhla, Seelampur, Ballimaran and Mustafabad, which earlier largely backed Congress. 5. Focussing on state-related issues AAP, intelligently, did not let the national issues take the centrestage, be it Ram temple, Article 370 or Citizenship Amendment Bill. Voters got convinced that the sentiments in the aforementioned agenda matter nationally but not in the case of Delhi polls. Team Kejriwal drew a comparison between Delhi government schools and MCD-run schools, where BJP is in power. And nobody could deny that AAP greatly improved the state of the government-run schools. Mohalla clinics though fell short of AAP’s own target of building 1000 of these, still, the improvement in healthcare cannot be ignored. AAP also reduced greatly reduced tariffs of electricity and water, and their whole campaign revolved around the same issues. AAP compared their governance model with BJP-run Delhi civic bodies’ model, where the party is in power for the last 15 years. However, BJP opponents should remember that Delhi is a cosmopolitan city and situation here might not fully help their own cause. Also, Narendra Modi’s pan-India popularity is still a force to reckon with. But Delhi once again proves that nobody is invincible in politics. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What other BJP nemeses can learn from AAP’s triumph

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has struck a hat-trick in Delhi. The party secured its return to power by winning 62 out of 70 seats. WION's Palki Sharma decodes what this result means for India.

Gravitas: Decoding the Delhi election results

In a&nbsp;blow to Bharatiya Janata Party<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term</a>&nbsp;as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election. final figures released by the Election Commission,&nbsp;AAP won&nbsp;62 of the 70 seats with a total vote share of 53.57 per cent.

The BJP won eight seats while the Congress stated at duck as it failed to win even a single seat.

Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence.

"Dilliwalon, ghazab kar diya aapne (Delhiites, you have done the impossible). I love you," Kejriwal said while accompanied by his wife, daughter and senior party leaders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"It is the beginning of a new kind of politics today. This is a very auspicious message for the country and the politics of work can only take our country to the 21st century," he added.

"It is a victory for Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said as a large number of supporters cheered him.&nbsp;

Kejriwal's close aid and senior party leader Manish Sisodia also hailed the landslide victory as he said,&nbsp;BJP indulged in "politics of hate", but people refused its agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

"The BJP indulged in politics of hate, but I thank the people of Patparganj...Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them and explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate," he told reporters.

All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain emerged victoriously.

As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2020-pm-modi-congratulates-kejriwal-as-aap-sweeps-delhi-280100">Narendra Mod</a>i, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win.

"Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter.

While, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Delhi polls have proven that only development will work, NCP leader Sharad Pawar stressed on the need to come together to keep the BJP out of power.

"The Delhi poll results indicate that 'winds of change' are blowing in the country. The results are not surprising to me," Pawar told reporters in Pune.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

The elections in the national capital took place in the midst of massive protests in the city and elsewhere over the new citizenship law, an issue which was strongly raised by the BJP top leadership during the campaigning which often turned bitter and vitriolic.

Though BJP's campaign focused on national security issues, the AAP mainly focused on its achievements in the fields of education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The AAP had registered a sensational victory in 2015 by winning 67 seats in a hurricane march that almost wiped out the BJP and the Congress. 
Carrying blue and white balloons, buntings and giant cut-outs of their leader Arvind Kejriwal, AAP workers celebrated at the party's headquarter in the national capital.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Congress accepted defeat and vowed to rebuild and revive itself at the grassroots level in the city.

"People's mandate is against us, we accept it. We have resolved to revive and rebuild the party," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a press conference.

A total of 672 candidates, including 593 men and 79 women, were in the fray for the hotly contested elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

In a blow to Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election.

In a blow to Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi party's Arvind Kejriwal secured a third term as Chief Minister in Delhi as he won a thumping majority in Assembly election. final figures released by the Election Commission, AAP won 62 of the 70 seats with a total vote share of 53.57 per cent. The BJP won eight seats while the Congress stated at duck as it failed to win even a single seat. Soon after results started coming in favour of AAP, Chief Minister Kejriwal addressed party workers at the Delhi headquarter. On Wednesday, Kejriwal will hold a meeting with the newly-elected party MLAs at his residence. "Dilliwalon, ghazab kar diya aapne (Delhiites, you have done the impossible). I love you," Kejriwal said while accompanied by his wife, daughter and senior party leaders. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "It is the beginning of a new kind of politics today. This is a very auspicious message for the country and the politics of work can only take our country to the 21st century," he added. "It is a victory for Bharat Mata (Mother India)," he said as a large number of supporters cheered him. Kejriwal's close aid and senior party leader Manish Sisodia also hailed the landslide victory as he said, BJP indulged in "politics of hate", but people refused its agenda. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 "The BJP indulged in politics of hate, but I thank the people of Patparganj...Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them and explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate," he told reporters. All AAP heavyweights including Sisodia, Raghav Chaddha and Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain emerged victoriously. As the AAP cruised to victory, leaders cutting across party lines including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Naveen Patnaik (BJD) and MK Stalin (DMK) congratulated Kejriwal for the historic win. "Congratulations to AAP and Shri Arvind Kejriwal ji for the victory in the Delhi assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," the prime minister said on Twitter. While, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Delhi polls have proven that only development will work, NCP leader Sharad Pawar stressed on the need to come together to keep the BJP out of power. "The Delhi poll results indicate that 'winds of change' are blowing in the country. The results are not surprising to me," Pawar told reporters in Pune. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal The elections in the national capital took place in the midst of massive protests in the city and elsewhere over the new citizenship law, an issue which was strongly raised by the BJP top leadership during the campaigning which often turned bitter and vitriolic. Though BJP's campaign focused on national security issues, the AAP mainly focused on its achievements in the fields of education, healthcare and infrastructure. The AAP had registered a sensational victory in 2015 by winning 67 seats in a hurricane march that almost wiped out the BJP and the Congress. Carrying blue and white balloons, buntings and giant cut-outs of their leader Arvind Kejriwal, AAP workers celebrated at the party's headquarter in the national capital. Meanwhile, Congress accepted defeat and vowed to rebuild and revive itself at the grassroots level in the city. "People's mandate is against us, we accept it. We have resolved to revive and rebuild the party," Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said at a press conference. A total of 672 candidates, including 593 men and 79 women, were in the fray for the hotly contested elections. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi Assembly election result: AAP sweeps national capital with 62 seats; Kejriwal to hold closed-door meeting

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party registered a resounding victory in the Delhi assembly elections 2020 and retained power for a third term by winning 63 seats, hours after counting of votes began on February 11, 2020. AAP bigwigs Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Atishi, Gopal Rai, Satyendra Jain, Raghav Chadha, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Amanatulah Khan won etc over their nearest rivals in their respective assembly constituencies.

WION Special Broadcast: Arvind Kejriwal's AAP wins big in Delhi Assembly Elections 2020

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly poll</a>s, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday.

"Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat.

Sisodia also said that People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"Being in government and providing quality education is real patriotism," said Sisodia, adding, People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate.

"I am happy to have won the Patparganj seat again. The BJP indulged in politics of hate. But I thank the people of Patparganj. Today, Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them. They have explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

According to Election Commission of India, AAP won 61 seats out of 70 while it is still leading on one. Meanwhile, BJP won eight seats and Congress failed to get even one seat.&nbsp;

The counting of votes is still underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

Soon after the results came in favour of AAP, party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

On January 28, senior BJP leaders from various states, including former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, had slammed the ruling AAP and dubbed the February 8 Assembly polls in the national capital as a fight between "nationalism" and "anarchy".&nbsp;

After Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly polls, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday. "Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat.

After Aam Aadmi Party's resounding victory in Assembly polls, senior leader Manish Sisodia took a jibe at rival Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday. "Nationalism means working for the betterment of citizens," said Sisodia who defeated BJP rival Ravinder Singh Negi from Patparganj seat. Sisodia also said that People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "Being in government and providing quality education is real patriotism," said Sisodia, adding, People of Delhi have explained the "true" meaning of nationalism through their mandate. "I am happy to have won the Patparganj seat again. The BJP indulged in politics of hate. But I thank the people of Patparganj. Today, Delhi's people have chosen a government which works for them. They have explained the true meaning of nationalism through their mandate." Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 According to Election Commission of India, AAP won 61 seats out of 70 while it is still leading on one. Meanwhile, BJP won eight seats and Congress failed to get even one seat. The counting of votes is still underway. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal Soon after the results came in favour of AAP, party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi. On January 28, senior BJP leaders from various states, including former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, had slammed the ruling AAP and dubbed the February 8 Assembly polls in the national capital as a fight between "nationalism" and "anarchy".

After Assembly election victory, Manish Sisodia takes jibe at BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70.

"Congratulations to AAP and Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to AAP and Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> Ji for the victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1227215995393073154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-bjp-concedes-defeat-congratulates-kejriwal-for-victory-280054">Also read: Delhi Assembly election - BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory</a>

According to Election Commission of India, Bharatiya Janata Party won five seats while leading on three. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. The counting is still underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

With Kejriwal looking all set for a third term as Delhi Chief Minister, congratulatory wishes are pouring in from various leaders.

"I am so glad that people have rejected BJP's attempts to convince them in wrong things. BJP has hopelessly failed in carrying the mischievous message that it wanted to carry to the people," said senior party leader P Chidambaram.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took Twitter to congratulate Kejriwal.

"Congratulations Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi results show Aam Aadmi Party all set to win the election with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech and divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded," Banerjee tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> show <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> all set to win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElection2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElection2020</a> with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech &amp; divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1227136582404018177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also congratulated Kejriwal.

"Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal-ji and AAP workers for achieving a 'sweeping victory' in the polls," said Pawar.

"I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi, on a massive mandate," tweeted DMK chief MK Stalin.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> for forming government yet again in Delhi,on a massive mandate. 
 
This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics. 
 
Federal rights and regional aspirations must be strengthened in the interest of our country.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1227129282889039873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

"This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics," Stalin added in his tweet.

Meanwhile, AAP chief Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Arvind Kejriwal after his Aam Aadmi Party secured re-election in Delhi Assembly election by winning 43 seats while leading on 19 out of 70. "Congratulations to AAP and Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the Delhi Assembly elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi," PM Modi tweeted. Congratulations to AAP and Shri @ArvindKejriwal Ji for the victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections. Wishing them the very best in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Delhi. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 11, 2020 × Also read: Delhi Assembly election - BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory According to Election Commission of India, Bharatiya Janata Party won five seats while leading on three. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. The counting is still underway. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism With Kejriwal looking all set for a third term as Delhi Chief Minister, congratulatory wishes are pouring in from various leaders. "I am so glad that people have rejected BJP's attempts to convince them in wrong things. BJP has hopelessly failed in carrying the mischievous message that it wanted to carry to the people," said senior party leader P Chidambaram. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took Twitter to congratulate Kejriwal. "Congratulations Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi results show Aam Aadmi Party all set to win the election with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech and divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded," Banerjee tweeted. Congratulations @ArvindKejriwal as #DelhiResults show @AamAadmiParty all set to win #DelhiElection2020 with a thumping majority yet again. Leaders playing on faith through hate speech & divisive politics should take a cue, as only those who deliver on their promises are rewarded. — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 11, 2020 × Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also congratulated Kejriwal. "Congratulations to Arvind Kejriwal-ji and AAP workers for achieving a 'sweeping victory' in the polls," said Pawar. "I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi, on a massive mandate," tweeted DMK chief MK Stalin. I congratulate @ArvindKejriwal and @AamAadmiParty for forming government yet again in Delhi,on a massive mandate. This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics. Federal rights and regional aspirations must be strengthened in the interest of our country. — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 11, 2020 × In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal "This is clear vindication that development trumps communal politics," Stalin added in his tweet. Meanwhile, AAP chief Kejriwal dedicated his win to the Delhi voters and said it will mark "beginning of a new kind of politics". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

Assembly election 2020: PM Modi congratulates Kejriwal as AAP sweeps Delhi

The Delhi election results kept social media busy on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party is all set to form the government for the third time in the capital city of India and memes and congratulatory messages for Kejriwal and AAP have been pouring in since Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Interestingly, many resorted to Bollywood in expressing their joy over AAP's victory. Memes galore, social media was flooded with hilarious Bollywood references as people weighed in AAP's sweeping performance at the state election and even compared it to BJP's 7 seat win and Congress's no show.&nbsp;

Here have a look:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi voters to AAP<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q7QClTy7IV">pic.twitter.com/Q7QClTy7IV</a>
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) <a href="https://twitter.com/swatic12/status/1227181491706265600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congress seeing BJP loosing in Delhi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/BQ8xknkfq0">pic.twitter.com/BQ8xknkfq0</a>
— MoHIT Parashar 🇮🇳 (@IM619_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IM619_/status/1227179935816531970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congress after seeing BJP lose in Delhi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/ean2QgvnI4">pic.twitter.com/ean2QgvnI4</a>
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) <a href="https://twitter.com/swatic12/status/1227185714091171840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ye Dilli mera hai aur mein yaha ka Jaikant Shikre <a href="https://t.co/tSHso7R9he">pic.twitter.com/tSHso7R9he</a>
— Nенr_wно™ (@Nehr_who) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nehr_who/status/1227174494772445186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congress MLA candidate trying to find a seat with AAP and BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/lbSZ1Vls7T">pic.twitter.com/lbSZ1Vls7T</a>
— The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyaUkhaadLega/status/1227096171375497216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Interestingly, AAP's social media too took Bollywood's reference in expressing joy. Sharing a clip of Shah Rukh Khan from the film 'Chak De! India', the party expressed how emotional it was after winning the polls.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Emotions right now... <a href="https://t.co/TXw7nHCFxM">pic.twitter.com/TXw7nHCFxM</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1227159298620264453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SRK seems to AAP's favourite star and it has in the past used clips from the actor's films for their social media campaigns.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi, we love you❤️ 
 
Our love for you will never fade.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProposeDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProposeDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/dlfHNBnrGx">pic.twitter.com/dlfHNBnrGx</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1226009779501326336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chak De Dilli! <a href="https://t.co/p38mgM76nF">pic.twitter.com/p38mgM76nF</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1225272374087450624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

AAP currently is leading with 63 seats while BJP has got 7 seats in the Delhi voters.&nbsp;

The Delhi election results kept social media busy on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party is all set to form the government for the third time in the capital city of India and memes and congratulatory messages for Kejriwal and AAP have been pouring in since Tuesday afternoon.

The Delhi election results kept social media busy on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party is all set to form the government for the third time in the capital city of India and memes and congratulatory messages for Kejriwal and AAP have been pouring in since Tuesday afternoon. Interestingly, many resorted to Bollywood in expressing their joy over AAP's victory. Memes galore, social media was flooded with hilarious Bollywood references as people weighed in AAP's sweeping performance at the state election and even compared it to BJP's 7 seat win and Congress's no show. Here have a look: Delhi voters to AAP#DelhiResults pic.twitter.com/Q7QClTy7IV — SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) February 11, 2020 × Congress seeing BJP loosing in Delhi #DelhiResults pic.twitter.com/BQ8xknkfq0 — MoHIT Parashar 🇮🇳 (@IM619_) February 11, 2020 × Congress after seeing BJP lose in Delhi #DelhiResults pic.twitter.com/ean2QgvnI4 — SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) February 11, 2020 × Ye Dilli mera hai aur mein yaha ka Jaikant Shikre pic.twitter.com/tSHso7R9he — Nенr_wно™ (@Nehr_who) February 11, 2020 × Congress MLA candidate trying to find a seat with AAP and BJP #DelhiResults pic.twitter.com/lbSZ1Vls7T — The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) February 11, 2020 × Interestingly, AAP's social media too took Bollywood's reference in expressing joy. Sharing a clip of Shah Rukh Khan from the film 'Chak De! India', the party expressed how emotional it was after winning the polls. Emotions right now... pic.twitter.com/TXw7nHCFxM — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 11, 2020 × SRK seems to AAP's favourite star and it has in the past used clips from the actor's films for their social media campaigns. Delhi, we love you❤️ Our love for you will never fade.#ProposeDay pic.twitter.com/dlfHNBnrGx — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 8, 2020 × Chak De Dilli! pic.twitter.com/p38mgM76nF — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 6, 2020 × AAP currently is leading with 63 seats while BJP has got 7 seats in the Delhi voters.

AAP, Twitter use Bollywood references to express joy over Delhi election results 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-it-is-a-victory-of-people-says-kejriwal-after-landslide-victory-280046">Delhi Assembly elections</a> as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70.

"BJP accepts the mandate of the people. We will play our role as a constructive opposition and raise public issues in the assembly, " BJP chief JP Nadda said as the counting of Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 was underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"I congratulate Arvind Kejriwal, his party and hope that his government will work for the development of the state," Nadda also said.

According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party's Manish Sisodia who was trailing in successive rounds of counting is now leading with 3,129 votes in the Patparganj assembly constituency against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi with AAP candidate Raghav Chadha leading from Rajinder Nagar constituency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

Meanwhile, speaking at the party headquarter, AAP leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Arvind-Kejriwal-AAP-surges-as-BJP-trails-far-behind-in-Delhi-Assembly-election-results-2020">Arvind Kejriwal</a> described the win as the "beginning of a new kind of politics".

Thanking the voters for reposing their faith in AAP for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites), I love you".

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers in Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

Earlier in the day, Congress party also conceded defeat as party spokesperson, Rajdeep Surjewala said it "accepts the verdict given by people of the national capital."

Addressing a press conference, Surjewala congratulated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the election.

"The result has further strengthened our pledge to make the party strong again," Surjewala also said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70. "BJP accepts the mandate of the people.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday conceded defeat in Delhi Assembly elections as Aam Aadmi Party won a resounding victory with lead on 63 seats out of 70. "BJP accepts the mandate of the people. We will play our role as a constructive opposition and raise public issues in the assembly, " BJP chief JP Nadda said as the counting of Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 was underway. Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "I congratulate Arvind Kejriwal, his party and hope that his government will work for the development of the state," Nadda also said. According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE Delhi deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party's Manish Sisodia who was trailing in successive rounds of counting is now leading with 3,129 votes in the Patparganj assembly constituency against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi with AAP candidate Raghav Chadha leading from Rajinder Nagar constituency. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 Meanwhile, speaking at the party headquarter, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal described the win as the "beginning of a new kind of politics". Thanking the voters for reposing their faith in AAP for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites), I love you". "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers in Delhi. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal Earlier in the day, Congress party also conceded defeat as party spokesperson, Rajdeep Surjewala said it "accepts the verdict given by people of the national capital." Addressing a press conference, Surjewala congratulated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for the victory in the election. "The result has further strengthened our pledge to make the party strong again," Surjewala also said.

Delhi Assembly election: BJP concedes defeat; congratulates Kejriwal for victory

This is the beginning of a new kind of politics, said Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday as his Aam Aadmi Party looked at the resounding victory in the&nbsp;Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020.

Thanking people for reposing their faith in AAP&nbsp;for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites),&nbsp;I love you".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/aap-sweeps-delhi-again-a-victory-of-welfare-politics-over-nationalism-280042">Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism</a>

"This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers&nbsp;in Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

AAP surged ahead of its rival the BJP in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 as leads suggested the ruling party is all set to sweep the Delhi Assembly election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Assembly-polls-AAP-mufflerman-trends-as-Kejriwals-party-surges-in-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-Election-2020">Also Read:&nbsp;AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020</a>

According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-irs-officer-to-delhi-cm-the-journey-of-arvind-kejriwal-280027">In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal</a>

In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress had a vote share of 9.7 per cent against the BJP's 32.7 per cent and the AAP's 54.34 per cent. The Congress had been in power in Delhi for three straight terms between 1998-2013 with Dikshit as the chief minister.

This is the beginning of a new kind of politics, said Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday as his Aam Aadmi Party looked at the resounding victory in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020.

This is the beginning of a new kind of politics, said Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday as his Aam Aadmi Party looked at the resounding victory in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020. Thanking people for reposing their faith in AAP for the third time, Kejriwal said, "Dilliwalon (Delhiites), I love you". Also read: AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism "This the victory of the people who consider me as their son and voted for us," Kejriwal also said while addressing the party workers in Delhi. Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE AAP surged ahead of its rival the BJP in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha election 2020 as leads suggested the ruling party is all set to sweep the Delhi Assembly election. Also Read: AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 According to the Election Commission of India, AAP is leading in 63 assembly constituencies with the BJP far behind with 7 seats. Congress which hadn't declared its chief minister face is yet to open its account. In pics: From IRS officer to Delhi CM, the rise and rise of Arvind Kejriwal In the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, the Congress had a vote share of 9.7 per cent against the BJP's 32.7 per cent and the AAP's 54.34 per cent. The Congress had been in power in Delhi for three straight terms between 1998-2013 with Dikshit as the chief minister.

Delhi Assembly Election Result: 'I love you', says Kejriwal to voters after landslide victory

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch. Once again, the BJP became the victim of its over-dependence on national issues in a state election where people were more concerned about the pressing problems being faced by them. 
 
The BJP should realise that one size does not fit all the time. What may work on a national scale does not necessarily mean that it will also work in a state. The party will need to differentiate between the two and accordingly plan its strategy. Like in a cricket Test match, political parties have enough time to revisit their strategy after the first or second round during national elections. But the state election does not offer such an opportunity which is akin to a 50-50 match.

Unlike the BJP, the AAP decided to bat straight. It kept its campaign simple by seeking votes on the work done in the last five years. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal to people not to vote for his party if they thought that the AAP had failed to meet their expectations resonated well with the electorate. The seven-year-old startup party was smart as it either ducked or left the bouncers and outswingers by the BJP over Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and refused to be drawn into any controversy by popping it back on the principal opposition party which it claimed is entrusted with the law and order situation in the national capital.

The BJP was also guilty of launching a vicious and personal attack on Kejriwal over the Shaheen Bagh protests and was penalised by the Election Commission which barred some of its leaders, including a union minister, from campaigning. This certainly did not go down well with the masses which punished the BJP. In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi benefited largely when the opposition parties, particularly the Congress party, launched a vitriolic attack on him.

What surprises the most is that the BJP offered a free run to the AAP. Not only did the party announce the candidates very late, as against the AAP and the Congress, but it also released the party manifesto just a few days before the voting. Rather than making its manifesto the preamble, the party resorted to negative campaigning. It should have stuck to its manifesto and taken on the AAP on the strength of it. But none of the BJP leaders stuck to the script and buried it completely. Its failure to project chief ministerial candidate was another sore point which was well encashed by the AAP.

In the end, it was a victory of welfare politics over nationalism. At a time, when the people have been hit hard by the economic slump and are staring at an uncertain future, freebies are an instant hit. Though big-ticket discounts do not augur well for the economy of the country or a state, people often fall prey to such tactics for short-term gains. With Delhi in its kitty again, one hopes the AAP government will work to fight the twin menace of poor transport and rising pollution which is choking the national capital. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch.

On a flat electoral pitch which offered no turn, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lived up to its performance and raced to a comfortable victory in Delhi. The results should ring alarm bells for the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which decided to stump the incumbent AAP government through its high octane nationalism pitch. Once again, the BJP became the victim of its over-dependence on national issues in a state election where people were more concerned about the pressing problems being faced by them. The BJP should realise that one size does not fit all the time. What may work on a national scale does not necessarily mean that it will also work in a state. The party will need to differentiate between the two and accordingly plan its strategy. Like in a cricket Test match, political parties have enough time to revisit their strategy after the first or second round during national elections. But the state election does not offer such an opportunity which is akin to a 50-50 match. Unlike the BJP, the AAP decided to bat straight. It kept its campaign simple by seeking votes on the work done in the last five years. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal to people not to vote for his party if they thought that the AAP had failed to meet their expectations resonated well with the electorate. The seven-year-old startup party was smart as it either ducked or left the bouncers and outswingers by the BJP over Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and refused to be drawn into any controversy by popping it back on the principal opposition party which it claimed is entrusted with the law and order situation in the national capital. The BJP was also guilty of launching a vicious and personal attack on Kejriwal over the Shaheen Bagh protests and was penalised by the Election Commission which barred some of its leaders, including a union minister, from campaigning. This certainly did not go down well with the masses which punished the BJP. In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi benefited largely when the opposition parties, particularly the Congress party, launched a vitriolic attack on him. What surprises the most is that the BJP offered a free run to the AAP. Not only did the party announce the candidates very late, as against the AAP and the Congress, but it also released the party manifesto just a few days before the voting. Rather than making its manifesto the preamble, the party resorted to negative campaigning. It should have stuck to its manifesto and taken on the AAP on the strength of it. But none of the BJP leaders stuck to the script and buried it completely. Its failure to project chief ministerial candidate was another sore point which was well encashed by the AAP. In the end, it was a victory of welfare politics over nationalism. At a time, when the people have been hit hard by the economic slump and are staring at an uncertain future, freebies are an instant hit. Though big-ticket discounts do not augur well for the economy of the country or a state, people often fall prey to such tactics for short-term gains. With Delhi in its kitty again, one hopes the AAP government will work to fight the twin menace of poor transport and rising pollution which is choking the national capital. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

AAP sweeps Delhi again - a victory of welfare politics over nationalism

As Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) surged to a decisive lead in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 the party tweeted a picture of a kid with the AAP cap with the caption "mufflerman" referring to the party chief.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mufflerman 😄 <a href="https://t.co/OX6e8o3zay">pic.twitter.com/OX6e8o3zay</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1227097503943680000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-election-result-2020-live-news-big-test-for-bjp-arvind-kejriwals-aam-adami-party-as-counting-of-votes-begin-AAP-leads-56-seats-BJP-14-AAP-vs-BJP-Delhi-election-results-2020-updates-279915">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE</a>

According to the Election Commission, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/Delhi-Election-2020-Results-live-news-aap-leads-in-22-seats-bjp-14-election-commission-delhi-election-poll-result-live-BJP-vs-APP279949">Aam Aadmi Party</a> is leading in &nbsp;58 seats with the BJP trailing far behind with 12 seats.

In the latest trends, AAP's Madal Lal has been leading from Kasturba Nagar after the second round of counting in the Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-election-2020-aap-surges-ahead-of-bjp-as-counting-underway-279995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, AAP's Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia is trailing from the Patparganj seat in the Delhi Assembly polls against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi by &nbsp;1576 votes in the fifth round of voting. Delhi Assembly Speaker and Aam Aadmi Party's Ram Niwas Goel is also trailing from Shahdara.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2020-delhi-election-news-Delhi-Vidhan-Sabha-election-result-2020-AAP-surges-into-lead-as-BJP-trails-Congress-fails-to-open-account">Also Read: Kejriwal's AAP surges as BJP trails, Congress fails to open account</a>

With the Congress drawing a blank in the early trends, Delhi Congress chief, Subhash Chopra said: "I take responsibility for the party's performance, we will analyse the factors behind this."

"Reason for the drop in our vote percentage is politics of polarisation by both BJP and AAP," Chopra added.

AAP's Raj Kumari Dhillon is leading against Bharatiya Janata Party's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga from Hari Nagar constituency after fifth round of counting.

AAP candidate from Model Town, Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, who is leading over BJP's Kapil Mishra said: "People want a govt that takes care of its citizens. People of Delhi have voted for development."

In the 2015 Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election, AAP had swept the polls with 67 of the 70 seats, however, a sweep of that nature is unlikely with the Opposition BJP leading in 14 seats.&nbsp;

As the leads favouring AAP started coming in the morning, the ruling party's supporters took to Twitter to celebrate.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This Picture Made My Day..!! 👌❤ 🇮🇳 🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPWinningDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAPWinningDelhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiResults?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/MHBuc0qw73">pic.twitter.com/MHBuc0qw73</a>
— Piyush Golchha (@PiyushGolchha) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGolchha/status/1227068463769882624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
AAP worked on the formula of 
 
Janta Maalik Hai, Neta Naukar hain 
 
Thats why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPWinningDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAPWinningDelhi</a> 3rd time.
— Shivam Agarwal (@ShivamAgarwalUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivamAgarwalUK/status/1225086446626799617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In Europe they say that quality &amp; free education, healthcare &amp; basic amenities r their right as they pay taxes. 
 
Finally 1 govt in India has made it possible &amp; plans more over nxt 5 yrs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aapwinningdelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aapwinningdelhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElections2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElections2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPManifesto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAPManifesto</a>✌️👍
— iScream Dada (@DadaScream) <a href="https://twitter.com/DadaScream/status/1225086468428726272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) surged to a decisive lead in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 the party tweeted a picture of a kid with the AAP cap with the caption "mufflerman" referring to the party chief.

As Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) surged to a decisive lead in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020 the party tweeted a picture of a kid with the AAP cap with the caption "mufflerman" referring to the party chief. Mufflerman 😄 pic.twitter.com/OX6e8o3zay — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 11, 2020 × Also Read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020 LIVE According to the Election Commission, the Aam Aadmi Party is leading in 58 seats with the BJP trailing far behind with 12 seats. In the latest trends, AAP's Madal Lal has been leading from Kasturba Nagar after the second round of counting in the Delhi Assembly Election Result 2020. Watch Video: However, AAP's Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia is trailing from the Patparganj seat in the Delhi Assembly polls against BJP's Ravinder Singh Negi by 1576 votes in the fifth round of voting. Delhi Assembly Speaker and Aam Aadmi Party's Ram Niwas Goel is also trailing from Shahdara. Also Read: Kejriwal's AAP surges as BJP trails, Congress fails to open account With the Congress drawing a blank in the early trends, Delhi Congress chief, Subhash Chopra said: "I take responsibility for the party's performance, we will analyse the factors behind this." "Reason for the drop in our vote percentage is politics of polarisation by both BJP and AAP," Chopra added. AAP's Raj Kumari Dhillon is leading against Bharatiya Janata Party's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga from Hari Nagar constituency after fifth round of counting. AAP candidate from Model Town, Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, who is leading over BJP's Kapil Mishra said: "People want a govt that takes care of its citizens. People of Delhi have voted for development." In the 2015 Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election, AAP had swept the polls with 67 of the 70 seats, however, a sweep of that nature is unlikely with the Opposition BJP leading in 14 seats. As the leads favouring AAP started coming in the morning, the ruling party's supporters took to Twitter to celebrate. This Picture Made My Day..!! 👌❤ 🇮🇳 🥰#AAPWinningDelhi #DelhiResults pic.twitter.com/MHBuc0qw73 — Piyush Golchha (@PiyushGolchha) February 11, 2020 × AAP worked on the formula of Janta Maalik Hai, Neta Naukar hain Thats why #AAPWinningDelhi 3rd time. — Shivam Agarwal (@ShivamAgarwalUK) February 5, 2020 × In Europe they say that quality & free education, healthcare & basic amenities r their right as they pay taxes. Finally 1 govt in India has made it possible & plans more over nxt 5 yrs #aapwinningdelhi #DelhiElections2020 #AAPManifesto✌️👍 — iScream Dada (@DadaScream) February 5, 2020 ×

AAP's 'mufflerman' trends as Kejriwal's party surges in Delhi Vidhan Sabha Election 2020

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday.

According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.67 per cent at 10.26 pm.

The poll percentage was less than 67.12 per cent in the 2015 election when the ruling Aam Aadmi Party had secured a landslide victory getting 67 of 70 assembly seats.

Delhi's Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh had said in the evening that the poll percentage was expected to go up as there were queues at several polling stations at the end of polling at 6 pm.

The officials said that elections took place peacefully and smoothly. BJP and AAP held review meetings after the polling ended and expressed confidence about their victory.

The Delhi Police said that a 60-year-old man fell unconscious outside polling booth no. 127 in Hari Nagar constituency at 10 am. He was taken to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, but was declared brought dead.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-polls-predict-two-thirds-majority-for-aap-in-delhi-assembly-279512">Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly</a>

"Probably, he died of cardiac arrest," a police official said. After the polling concluded, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were taken to strong rooms.

The counting of votes will take place on February 11. Most exit polls have predicted AAP winning over two-third majority but Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the exit polls will fail and the party will win 48 seats.

"All these exit polls will fail. Keep this tweet of mine. BJP will form the government in Delhi with over 48 seats in Delhi. Now please do not find an excuse to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)," Tiwari said in a tweet.

"Certain exit polls are showing that BJP will win 26 seats, but let me tell you that all these exit polls will fail on February 11," he told ANI.

Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra also said that exit polls will fail and expressed confidence that the party will do much better.

"BJP will not get even 20 seats and Kejriwal is not going to form the government in Delhi. I am hoping the Congress is going to do much better than what exit polls are showing. Let us wait till results are out," Chopra told ANI.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh exuded confidence about the party repeating its 2015 performance. There were 672 candidates in the fray and more than 98,000 officials had been deployed smooth conduct of elections.

Prominent among those who cast their votes were President Ram Nath Kovind, former President Pranab Mukherjee, former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader LK Advani, and Union Ministers Harsh Vardhan and S Jaishankar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also cast their votes.

Over 1.4 crore people were eligible to cast their votes including 81,05,236 male voters and 66,80,277 female voters. There are 869 third gender voters.

Ballimaran is the smallest constituency in the national capital with an area of 2.50 square kilometre.

Narela is the biggest with an area of 143.42 sq km.

The voting is being held at 13,571 polling stations of which 3,141 are critical and 144 vulnerable polling stations. The BJP had won three seats in the 2015 elections and Congress could not open its account. Both BJP and Congress had given a few seats to their allies.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.67 per cent at 10.26 pm. The poll percentage was less than 67.12 per cent in the 2015 election when the ruling Aam Aadmi Party had secured a landslide victory getting 67 of 70 assembly seats. Delhi's Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh had said in the evening that the poll percentage was expected to go up as there were queues at several polling stations at the end of polling at 6 pm. The officials said that elections took place peacefully and smoothly. BJP and AAP held review meetings after the polling ended and expressed confidence about their victory. The Delhi Police said that a 60-year-old man fell unconscious outside polling booth no. 127 in Hari Nagar constituency at 10 am. He was taken to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, but was declared brought dead. Also read: Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly "Probably, he died of cardiac arrest," a police official said. After the polling concluded, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were taken to strong rooms. The counting of votes will take place on February 11. Most exit polls have predicted AAP winning over two-third majority but Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the exit polls will fail and the party will win 48 seats. "All these exit polls will fail. Keep this tweet of mine. BJP will form the government in Delhi with over 48 seats in Delhi. Now please do not find an excuse to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)," Tiwari said in a tweet. "Certain exit polls are showing that BJP will win 26 seats, but let me tell you that all these exit polls will fail on February 11," he told ANI. Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra also said that exit polls will fail and expressed confidence that the party will do much better. "BJP will not get even 20 seats and Kejriwal is not going to form the government in Delhi. I am hoping the Congress is going to do much better than what exit polls are showing. Let us wait till results are out," Chopra told ANI. AAP leader Sanjay Singh exuded confidence about the party repeating its 2015 performance. There were 672 candidates in the fray and more than 98,000 officials had been deployed smooth conduct of elections. Prominent among those who cast their votes were President Ram Nath Kovind, former President Pranab Mukherjee, former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader LK Advani, and Union Ministers Harsh Vardhan and S Jaishankar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also cast their votes. Over 1.4 crore people were eligible to cast their votes including 81,05,236 male voters and 66,80,277 female voters. There are 869 third gender voters. Ballimaran is the smallest constituency in the national capital with an area of 2.50 square kilometre. Narela is the biggest with an area of 143.42 sq km. The voting is being held at 13,571 polling stations of which 3,141 are critical and 144 vulnerable polling stations. The BJP had won three seats in the 2015 elections and Congress could not open its account. Both BJP and Congress had given a few seats to their allies.

Delhi records over 61% polling; AAP, BJP express confidence of victory

Aap, News on Aap, stories on Aap, articles on Aap, Aap stories at Wion, Aap news, Aap latest news