MCD bypolls: 12 wards voting today, 53 candidates; close fight between BJP and AAP

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Voting is underway for the by-elections in 12 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). A total of 53 candidates are in the fray in these 12 wards. Nine of these 12 wards are controlled by the BJP. Currently, voters are standing in voting lines since morning to decide the fate of 53 candidates. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will also cast her vote at Ward 56 polling booth in Delhi. Voters in West Vinod Nagar of East Delhi have also reached the polling booth early in the morning to cast their votes.

Before voting began at the polling booth in Ward 56, the presiding officer said, "All arrangements for voting have been made perfectly at the Government Senior Secondary School in Shalimar Bagh. The polling station is fully decorated and prepared. Everything is ready for voting, and the booth is fully prepared for voters."

After casting his vote, voter Ishwar Dutt Agarwal said, "Our focus should be on development so that our region and country can truly progress. It's my duty to step up and resolve any problems. While minor issues do arise, our Chief Minister works tirelessly from morning until midnight to serve the public, and often a single call can resolve many issues."

Another voter said, "I'm voting based on issues. Roads are being cleaned and gas pipelines are being laid. I want to vote to see the country progress and develop." The by-election results will be declared on December 3. The last municipal elections were held in December 2022 for 250 seats. After several changes in the party's position, the BJP has 115 councillors in the current MCD House.