Delhi Elections 2025: Chaos Erupts as Allegations of Fake Voting, Cash-for-Votes, and Barricades Rock Polling Day

The ongoing Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 have been anything but smooth, with reports of clashes, accusations, and disruptions emerging from multiple constituencies. From alleged fake voting in Seelampur to claims of cash-for-votes in Jangpura and barricade controversies in Chirag Delhi, the day was marked by intense political drama that overshadowed the democratic process.

As voter turnout reached 33.31% by 1 PM on Wednesday, tensions flared between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both sides leveling serious charges against one another. While the Election Commission worked to maintain order, these incidents raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

Ruckus in Seelampur: Fake Voting Allegations

In Seelampur, a stronghold of AAP, the BJP accused some women clad in burqas of casting fake votes. The allegations led to a face-off between workers of both parties, resulting in sloganeering and minor clashes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Seelampur, where AAP's Chaudhary Zubair Ahmad is contesting against BJP's Anil Gaur and Congress's Abdul Rehman, has historically been a closely contested seat. Notably, Abdul Rehman won the seat on an AAP ticket in the 2020 elections, adding to the significance of this year's battle.

While the BJP claimed evidence of electoral fraud, AAP dismissed the allegations as baseless attempts to disrupt their campaign. Despite the heated exchanges, authorities managed to restore calm, allowing polling to continue.

Sloganeering in Jangpura: Cash-for-Votes Row

In Jangpura, AAP candidate and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia accused the BJP of distributing cash to influence voters near a polling booth. Sisodia alleged that the BJP had set up operations in a building adjacent to their booth, handing out money under the supervision of local police and Election Commission officials.

"The BJP candidate was distributing money openly in this house. Why isn't the Election Commission raiding it?" Sisodia questioned during a press interaction.

However, Delhi Police refuted these claims, stating that investigations failed to substantiate the allegations. "The situation is under control, and the confusion has been cleared," read an official statement.

Meanwhile, AAP took to social media platform X to accuse the BJP of undermining democracy. "This is being done under the supervision of the Delhi Police and Election Commission. If you have even a shred of self-respect left, take action against these murderers of the Constitution," the party wrote.

Barricade Controversy in Chirag Delhi

In Chirag Delhi, AAP minister and Greater Kailash candidate Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the police of deliberately obstructing voters by placing barricades near polling stations. He alleged that these barriers prevented residents—particularly those from poorer areas—from accessing booths.

"You have been standing here since morning to influence elections. Why are the barricades put here? Which senior officer authorized this?" Bhardwaj asked, addressing law enforcement officials.

He further accused the police of conducting raids on private AAP premises the previous night, targeting party materials ahead of polling day. "This is happening openly wherever there is a stronghold of AAP," he added.

Responding to Bhardwaj's allegations, South Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ankit Chauhan, clarified that exceptions were made only for elderly or disabled individuals who required vehicular access to polling booths. "There is an exception for those who cannot walk. For them, bringing their car inside is allowed. This rule is being implemented everywhere," Chauhan stated.

He assured that investigations would be conducted into the specific locations flagged by Bhardwaj to ensure compliance with guidelines.

Voter Turnout Amidst Tensions

Despite the controversies, voter turnout remained steady, with 33.31% of eligible voters casting their ballots by 1 PM. However, concerns persisted about whether these incidents could deter citizens from participating freely in the democratic process.

With the counting of votes scheduled for February 8, all eyes remain on how these allegations will impact the final results. Both AAP and BJP have appealed to voters to reject what they describe as "undemocratic practices" by their opponents.