New Delhi, Feb 5 (V7N) — Voters in India’s capital, Delhi, headed to the polls on Wednesday in a closely watched local election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking to unseat Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after nearly a decade in power.

Kejriwal, a prominent opposition leader, has dominated Delhi politics with his pro-poor governance model, including extensive subsidies on water and electricity. But the election comes against the backdrop of corruption allegations that saw him and senior AAP leaders jailed last year.

Kejriwal was arrested in 2024 on accusations that his party accepted kickbacks in exchange for liquor licenses. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court but remains restricted from holding official duties, leading to his resignation as Delhi’s chief minister.

Modi’s BJP has seized on the allegations during a high-energy campaign, with the prime minister himself leading rallies against Kejriwal’s party. The AAP leader, however, has dismissed the charges as a politically motivated attack by the central government.

Despite the controversy, Kejriwal has remained defiant, expressing confidence in securing a rare third term.

Even if AAP wins Saturday’s vote count, uncertainty looms over Kejriwal’s ability to reclaim his position. The Supreme Court’s bail conditions bar him from signing official files or entering his office.

AAP leader Atishi, who took over as acting chief minister after Kejriwal’s resignation, insists there is no legal barrier preventing him from returning to power.

"Legally, it's very clear that anyone who can contest elections is eligible to become the CM (chief minister)," Atishi told the Hindustan Times.

With over 30 million residents, Delhi is a key political battleground, and the outcome of this election could shape opposition dynamics ahead of India’s next general elections.

As voters cast their ballots, the race remains a critical test for both AAP’s resilience and the BJP’s ability to consolidate power in the capital.

END/WD/RH/