The ECI in its notification to the media houses informed that the Central government cannot bring any Delhi-specific policies and programmes in the ensuing Union Budget due to MCC coming into force in connection with the del Assembly election. The people of Delhi are to exercise their franchise on February 5 to chose the 70 members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly while the counting of the votes would take place on February 8.
During the Press Conference of January 7, the Chief Election Commissioner quoting the MCC underlined that the administration cannot undertake any action which can sway voters. This involves omitting any announcement, which might be related to Delhi, or financial provision made in the Union Budget. This will be accompanied by a letter to the Cabinet Secretary reminding the University of this requirement for compliance.
Key Dates for Delhi Elections
- Gazette Notification Issue Date: January 10
- Last Date for Nominations: January 17
- Scrutiny of Nominations: January 18
- Last Date for Withdrawal: January 20
- Polling Day: February 5
- Vote Counting: February 8
The election process will be complete by February 10, long before the current Assembly’s term expires in the middle of February, on February 23.
Political Stakes
Actually, the Delhi elections are the test of the parties. In the most testing fight, the Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal attempt to cling to authority in the country. For the BJP, this is probably the last chance as far as regaining Delhi after losing it for 25 years, especially after its rather below mediocre in the recent Haryana and Maharashtra assembly polls. While, the Congress party now dreams of a comeback after having been outshined by the AAP for the past decade.
It is believed that this electoral contest will have some serious overtones on political discourse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
