May 25th 2024.
Today, the people of Delhi are exercising their democratic right as polling for the seven Lok Sabha constituencies begins. Despite the scorching heat, citizens have been lining up outside polling booths since early morning to cast their votes. Among the early voters were Union ministers S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Minister Atishi, outgoing East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir, and candidates from various political parties.
Even President Droupadi Murmu made sure to cast her vote in the New Delhi constituency. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to encourage people to vote and urge their family and friends to do the same. He emphasized the importance of each vote in strengthening democracy and standing against authoritarianism.
The weather forecast predicted a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius, prompting the Delhi poll body to make arrangements for voters to beat the heat. Despite this, people were seen queuing up outside the more than 13,000 polling booths across the seven constituencies, eager to make their voices heard.
Jaishankar, the first voter at Atal Adarsh Vidyalaya in the New Delhi constituency, expressed the importance of citizens exercising their right to vote in making crucial decisions for the country. He was joined by Puri, who cast his vote at Mount Carmel School in the same constituency. Puri shared his excitement at being part of the world's largest celebration of democracy.
Atishi, who cast her vote at Nigam Pratibha Vidyalaya in the South Delhi constituency, also encouraged people to participate in this important festival of the country. Gambhir, after casting his vote at Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalya, appealed to citizens to exercise their franchise.
Early voters also included the AAP's South Delhi candidate Sahi Ram Pahalwan, the BJP's Chandni Chowk nominee Praveen Khandelwal, and its New Delhi hopeful Bansuri Swaraj. Pahalwan urged residents of Delhi to vote, while Khandelwal emphasized the pride of being part of such an important process.
The day has been peaceful so far, with no reports of any untoward incidents. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, M Harsha Vardhan, expressed the importance of conducting free and fair elections and the enthusiasm of both officials and voters. He encouraged everyone to vote and hoped for a high voter turnout.
Over 1.52 crore voters, including 2.52 lakh first-time voters, are eligible to cast their votes at the polling booths. The BJP is aiming for a third consecutive clean sweep in Delhi, while the opposition INDIA bloc partners AAP and the Congress are contesting under a four-three seat-share formula. This is also the first Lok Sabha election in Delhi where AAP and the Congress have fielded joint candidates.
The AAP has fielded candidates from the East, West, New, and South Delhi constituencies, while the Congress has nominated candidates from Chandni Chowk, North East, and North West Delhi. The BJP's candidates include the only sitting MP to be renominated, Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi, as well as candidates from South, New, East, North West, Chandni Chowk, and West Delhi.
As the day progresses, let us all exercise our right to vote and participate in the celebration of democracy. Let our votes speak for our beliefs and strengthen the foundation of our nation.
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