12 wards going to polls, five have been reserved for women, a move officials say is aimed at boosting women’s participation in local governance.
Political significance
Analysts describe the upcoming by-polls as “mini-MCD elections”, given their potential to influence the balance of power among Delhi’s three main political players — the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress. The MCD has recently witnessed tight margins and shifting alliances, making these by-elections particularly crucial.
Preparations in full swing
A senior State Election Commission official said that all arrangements are in place for a smooth electoral process, with special focus on security, EVM checks, and polling station preparedness to ensure free and fair voting.
Reason for vacancies
The by-elections were necessitated by vacancies in several wards. Prominent among them are the Shalimar Bagh-B ward, earlier represented by Rekha Gupta, now Delhi’s Chief Minister, and the Dwarka-B ward, vacated by BJP leader Kamaljeet Sehrawat following her election as MP from West Delhi.
Other seats fell vacant after sitting councillors from both the BJP and AAP were elected as MLAs in the February assembly polls
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