Delhi assembly elections: Over 30,000 police personnel, 220 companies of paramilitary forces deployed

More than 1.56 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots from 7 am across 13,766 polling stations in all 70 Assembly constituencies.

Delhi is on high alert as voting commenced for the Assembly polls on Wednesday. Over 30,000 police personnel and 220 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across the national capital to ensure peaceful elections.

The high-stakes election sees the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aiming for a third consecutive term, leveraging its governance record and welfare schemes, while the BJP and Congress seek a resurgence.

More than 1.56 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots from 7 am across 13,766 polling stations in all 70 Assembly constituencies. The outcome will determine the fate of 699 candidates in a contest that could reshape Delhi’s political landscape.

Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been identified as sensitive, prompting special security measures like drone surveillance, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), Striking Teams, and the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain law and order.

"All Delhi Police personnel are committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections. Pre-poll arrangements are in place, and all senior staff are on the ground," said Special Commissioner of Police (SPNO Delhi Assembly Elections) Devesh Chandra Srivastva.

Srivastva detailed the deployment, noting that 220 companies of paramilitary forces include 150 companies of CAPF and 70 companies from 10 different states. Additionally, over 9,000 Home Guards and all senior Delhi Police officers are on duty.

He confirmed robust security measures across the city, with 65 border points between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana sealed and under heavy security.

From January 7 to February 3, when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in effect, 1,076 cases of alleged violations were recorded, and 34,250 people were arrested or detained.

"Our teams confiscated 469 illegal firearms and 513 cartridges, arresting 491 people under the Arms Act," Srivastva added.

Further, police seized 1,10,093 litres of liquor, arresting 1,381 individuals. A strict vigil also led to the seizure of 196.602 kg of drugs worth over Rs 77.9 crore, more than 1,200 banned injections, and the arrest of 177 people for drug-related offenses.

(With inputs from agencies)