Polling began at 7:30 AM and will conclude at 5:30 PM across 143 polling stations, with a total of 51 candidates in the fray for the MCD by-elections. The results will be officially declared on December 3.

According to the Delhi State Election Commission, the electoral process is being conducted at 580 booths. The by-elections are being held in the following wards:

Greater Kailash

Shalimar Bagh B

Ashok Vihar

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Mahal

Dichao Kalan

Naraina

Sangam Vihar A

Dakshit Puri

Mundka

Vinod Nagar

Dwarka B

The political significance of these MCD by-polls is substantial. For the ruling BJP, it is a chance to consolidate its power in the capital's civic body and demonstrate the continued popularity of CM Rekha Gupta's administration. Conversely, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aiming to stage a strong comeback and regain its political footing after its defeat in the recent assembly polls.

Why Are These By-Elections Being Held?

The vacancies in these 12 MCD wards arose under specific circumstances. Eleven of the seats fell vacant after the incumbent councillors were elected as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the Delhi Assembly elections. The twelfth seat, Dwarka B, became vacant in 2024 when its former councillor, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, won the Lok Sabha election from the West Delhi constituency.

As voters cast their ballots, all eyes are on the outcome, which will serve as a crucial barometer of Delhi's shifting political landscape ahead of the full municipal elections.