New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to unveil the schedule for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on Tuesday, January 7, at 2 pm. The elections hold significant importance as the 70-member Assembly’s term concludes on February 23, necessitating timely polls to form a new government. Historically, the last two Assembly elections were announced in early January, with polling taking place in February and results declared within days.

The political stakes are high, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, aiming for a third consecutive term despite challenges stemming from Kejriwal’s resignation as Chief Minister in September amid the liquor policy controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying efforts to wrest control from the AAP, accusing it of corruption, while the Congress hopes to stage a comeback after its poor performances in 2015 and 2020. In the last two elections, the AAP dominated with 67 and 62 seats, leaving BJP with single digits and Congress without any wins.

The AAP has already finalized its list of 70 candidates, with Kejriwal contesting from New Delhi and Chief Minister Atishi seeking re-election from Kalkaji. The elections will not only test Kejriwal’s political resilience but also determine whether the BJP or Congress can make significant inroads into the capital’s political landscape. With over 15.5 million registered voters, the polls promise to be a pivotal moment in Delhi’s political future.