Delhi MCD Bypolls Kick Off: 5.40% Turnout in First Two Hours Amid High-Stakes Three-Way Contest

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Polls for the 12 vacant Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) wards have begun, marking the first direct electoral battle between the BJP, AAP, and Congress in the capital since the February Assembly election. As of 9:30 a.m., a modest 5.40% of Delhi's eligible voters have cast their ballots in the highly anticipated bypolls. The voting process is underway across 580 booths, where 2,320 Election Commission personnel are stationed to ensure a smooth and peaceful exercise. To facilitate voting, the Delhi State Election Commission has arranged special metro services starting at 4 a.m. and additional buses from 3 a.m. on both Sunday and December 3, when the counting of votes will take place. A total of 2,265 security personnel, 580 Home Guards, and 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order during the polls. The by-elections have transformed into a three-way contest, with the BJP, Congress, and AAP vying for control of the MCD. The BJP, which won the Assembly election, is seeking to extend its dominance, while the AAP aims to regain ground in the MCD following its recent loss. The BJP has fielded eight women candidates, including Jaipal Singh Saral (Mundka), Anita Jain (Shalimar Bagh-B), and others. The Congress has also named several women candidates, including Mukesh (Mundka) and Sarita Kumari (Shalimar Bagh-B). The AAP has nominated Ram Swaroop Kanojia (Dakshin Puri), Anuj Sharma (Sangam Vihar-A), and others for the bypolls. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3, and the outcome of the bypolls will have significant implications for the MCD and the city's politics.