As the short, but heated and occasionally unsavoury campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections concluded on Thursday, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appeared to have mounted a strong challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which seemed to be on a winning streak in the beginning.
Mr. Kejriwal got endorsements from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Janata Dal(U) chief Sharad Yadav and a compliment from BJP leader Shatrugan Sinha on the last day of the campaign. The Left parties threw their weight behind the AAP, appealing to its support base to vote for the party.
The Hindu: Welcome to the live chat by The Hindu on the much awaited Delhi elections.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Welcome to The Hindu's Live Chat on the Delhi elections, one of the most bitterly-contested Assembly polls in living memory!! And, there's a lot at stake too!!
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi): : It's been a tough poll for my colleagues to cover!! And they have been working flat out!!
5:00
Comment From Mukund : Do opinion polls give AAP absolute majority? It is not clear who is leading. Can you clarify?
Sowmiya: Opinion polls are mixed in their assessment but by and large they give an edge to the AAP.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: My Delhi City colleagues Vishal Kant, Sowmiya Ashok and Jatin Anand as well as senior political writers Varghese George and Smita Gupta will take your questions!!
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: My Delhi City colleagues Vishal Kant, Sowmiya Ashok and Jatin Anand as well as senior political writers Varghese George and Smita Gupta will take your questions!!
Comment From Guest : how is this election seen by old people of delhi? those who are above 60? no one is talking about them
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: The idea should be that everyone's issues are addressed. Safety of older persons has been an issue in the city given the poor state of law and order in this megapolis.
Comment From Tariq :Of Course, It has been very scary for Modi.
Comment From Giroud Will the votes of minorities play a decisive roll in this election ?
Vishal: While it is difficult to assess which community votes with certainty, Indian elections have a history of polaristaion on religious lines....The voting pattern of Muslim community, who are in dominant position in several constituencies, could however have a bearing
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: There's little doubt that efforts have been made to polarise votes on religious lines, Vishal
Comment From Tondon Apart from poll campaigning, will the booth management play important role in this photo finish fight? Also will bad weather help any party more than other?
Comment From VK Has the Modi magic wave done its job once more?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: We will have to wait and see. It will be known only on the 10th VK.
Comment From Guest How much liqour and money that could be distributed today can affect the results?
Vishal: Lets hope EC is able to ensure it does not happen
Comment From Venkat Will the election day be an event in itself? Considering the tempo displayed in this election, it does look like charges and counter-charges with fly tomorrow..
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: It looks like that given the fact that its a high-stake game for all the parties in a race where the Congress appears to be lagging behind.
Comment From Vinay
Also, what has been the likely performance of Congress? Are there any pocket burroughs left for them?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: The Congress, as I mentioned, doesn't seem to be in great shape. It seems to be in number three position. The key question of one and two to be decided!!
5:09
Comment From Guest
It is very difficult to say right now which party is going to win this election.
5:09
Comment From VK
Looking at the predictions, Congress have already lost this time too... how do you guys see this?
5:10
Comment From Guest
yogendra yadav survey shows 51 seats for AAP.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Internal surveys of parties may be hyped since they are good at boosting the morale of cadres...
5:10
Comment From Gourav Pandey
It may be a hung verdict again as in the case of J&K it happened.
5:10
Comment From Srini
Who will manage to get more actual voters into booths? AAP or BJP?
Sowmiya: The BJP has worked harder this time at booth management. The BJP chief has instructed his cadre to focus a lot more on booth in-charge and page in-charge (people who have been instructed to go knock on doors and create a rapport with voters). The argument often heard is that the AAP is who pushed the BJP and Congress to go back to fundamentals and connect with voters. So the bottom line is no one took any chances in booth management for these polls.
Comment From Anup
Can we say 'Election commission' as one of the weakest institutions in india? Mere notice serving commission? Is it not need of the hour to empower and reform such institutions?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Well, the Commission has been holding clean elections. Opinion could be divided on how far it has gone on controlling hate speech.
Comment From Nagoorkani
This election is going to change the fate of indian politics, last hope of reclaiming trust in democracy.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi): : That's an interesting comment. It is critical for the future of non-BJP forces in the country. AAP does represent an option for some.
5:13
Comment From test
how come, bjp was able to put front page adv on news paper? is there any law governing this?
Vishal: Though AAP has objected to it....as the law stands today it is well within the law
Comment From From Pune
i m not in Delhi....but seems that..AAP will overtake BJP..is it true?
Vishal: Predicting result difficult, but BJP facing an uphill task, for sure
5:14
Comment From Susheel Saini
Am I so mistaken in saying that I can see an impeccable legislative assembly in the state of Delhi with BJP as the governing party and AAP as a wise opposition, though AAP will need effective revamping for the same - ?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Dear Susheel, It should also be about improving infrastructure and public facilities in Delhi. Parties should compete in that sphere as well!!
5:15
Comment From NIshant
will modi magic work this time ??
Sowmiya: Voting patterns are influenced by the nature of the elections. Legislative assembly elections compared to Parliamentary elections are more context specific: comes down to the person who is contesting from the seat. Will they be able to fix civic problems? Will they be approachable and available to the residents of the constituency. While the BJP has fashioned its campaign around Mr. Modi and his development plank, on the ground level it is more about who is the man or woman who will get the day to day work done.
5:15
Comment From Tariq
@Ravi, everything is possible. It's a machine. anything can be done with this.
5:15
Comment From Guest
can we genuinely count on kiran bedi to re-enact her success as a police officer in the post of delhi cm?
5:15
Comment From krishnan Ramanujan
Delhi will get what it deserves.
5:15
Comment From Dheeraj
What do people here think of the Congress?? Will they be the king-makers again? Or will they be routed off completely?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: The Congress is not showing much spunk though Ajay Maken is giving it his all....
Comment From Vivek Gupta
Some how i feel AAP's possible victory is a bit hyped. Do you think the media can be wrong on the prediction?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Of course, the media and opinion polls can be wrong. We have seen that happen in many elections before. In India, there's no victory till the last seat is declared.
5:16
Comment From NIshant
will educated people of delhi accept the freebie politics of Kejriwal ??
Vishal: In India, subsidies to the citizens have always been provided
5:17
Comment From Shambhavi
People want a change from Congress.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Seems to be the case, Shambahavi
5:17
Comment From Guest
What will happen if neither AAP nor BJP gets majority?
Smita Gupta: If there is a fractured mandate, then the possibility of a govt will deed on the numbers. If the singe largest party is the BJP then it would have to seek support either from independents or break one of the other two parties. In 2013, even tho it was the single largest pastry, it failed to do this. If the AAP emerges as single largest but fails to get a majority, it would also have to seek support from either independents or the Congress: last time, the Congress backed it --this time the Congress position is not yet known. If everything fails, then there will have to be a fresh election
5:18
Comment From Krishnan Iyer
I feel that the congress that hasent been making any kind of sensationalist claims and stunts, accusation which usually are baseless, has a credit. Ajay Makhen Being a Clean man with a Good and Proactive Record Should be Given a Chance. All the euphoria around the BJP is weaning off and that is likely to happen to the AAP too. Interms of Infrastructure, the Previous Sheila Dixhit government did reasonably well by opening up Metro's, Bus rapid system, shifting to CNG system...etc. Voters should weigh all these credible options before falling for impractical and tall promises.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Good to see there's still some support left for the Congress, whose vote share is expected to dip from the 24.55 per cent they got in the 2013 Assembly elections.
5:18
Comment From Susheel Saini
Who will lead Delhi?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Can't answer that now. Watch this space.
5:19
Comment From Guest
how the people of delhi will choose between two leaders neither of them has much experience in Politics
Vishal: Its nothing new in Indian politics, people from other backgrounds have joined politics in the past even and have done well
5:20
Comment From Sreedharan
Why is it Some people is having dilema whether or not to vote for AAP?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Guess dilemmas are natural after what happened with Mr. Kejriwal's resignation. He's on record saying that the one lesson he's learnt is this: "DON'T EVER RESIGN"
5:20
Comment From Himanshu
as all the surveys giving clear mandate to Aam Aadmi Paty. what is in Hindu's survey?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: No survey by The Hindu!
5:20
Comment From Gourav Pandey
Whatever is happening that must all lead to the inclusive progress of the nation and not the individual party and their member's pomposity over others who are less privileged.
5:21
Comment From Ratnesh Yadav
its damn sure bjp going win delhi election , but some electronic and print media very desparate to give over AAP
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Yes, Ratnesh that's well within the realm of possibility.
5:21
Comment From Jeevitha
How strong is the effect of disgruntled elements in the BJP -the sabotaging from inside?
Sowmiya: Following the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls, there were several reports of disgruntled leaders who were denied tickets sabotaging the efforts of their colleagues. The rift was out in the open following the induction of Kiran Bedi - several leaders were unhappy with the parachuting of a person who did not grow through the ranks. There are reports that some leaders have been campaigning against the candidates in some constituencies.
5:21
Comment From Tariq
Hi Mr George, What are your thoughts about Modi's and Shah's stand on Delhi's election? Did they underestimate Delhi?
Smita Gupta: Voters will choose on the basis of the promises made by the parties, which seem more credible, and by the record of the leaders. In the case of Arvind Kejriwal, they could go by what he achieved in his 49 days in power, by record as an MLA for little over a year and wheher he was able to do anything for his constituents. In the case of Kiran Bedi, whether they are impressed by her record as a police officer, whether they approve of someone quitting one political party for another and by the record of the BJP.
5:22
Comment From GCU
WHY PEOPLE SUPPORTING MR KEJARIWAL WHO IS PURE DRAMEWAJ?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: That's your opinion GCU. Others may differ.
Smita Gupta: clearly because he has been able to make a direct connect with the people
5:22
Comment From Sreedharan
Will it backfire to BJP after Mr.Amit Shah's recent interview saying that Lok Sabha Black Money Poll promise by Mr.Modi is just a "Idiomatic Expression"?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Well, it certainly does raise questions about the gap between announcement and action!!
5:22
Comment From Tirumala Rao
Right now, AAP is giving some press conference. In that they rejected the statement of Bukhari (Shahi Imam). This makes AAP different than normal parties.
Vishal: They have surely taken a stand which is different from the past
Comment From Salil
This election will decide more of the future of Arvind Kejriwal and his version of "honest politics" than PM Modi and his "development politics" because the earlier claim is more difficult to prove than the latter one.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Yes, there are serious questions that have been raised in these elections. Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Modi have a lot at stake in this one.
5:24
Comment From Shambhavi
Does AAP have any female leadership?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Some, but a big one has defected!!
5:25
Comment From Rashmi
You just published a survey of Bjp win, how much does it cost to post such surveys results at Hindu?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: That's not our survey at all. It's a PTI report quoting a survey. The Hindu HAS NOT done it's own opinion poll on Delhi.
Comment From Dheeraj
Can we expect parties to go all out with bribing voters or will they be scared of "AAP Spy cameras"?
Vishal: Going by the seizures by the election commission during the lat assembly polls, its seems the trend of buying votes is declining
5:25
Comment From Jeevitha
In hindsight, should the AAP have not gone all India in the 2014 lok sabha elections and restricted efforts to the north - Punjab, Haryana and Delhi for example?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Possibly, but that's done and dusted now. And, they know what came of it.
5:26
Comment From anil reddy
why no exit-poll by the hindu...??
Sowmiya: Exit poll is after voting comes to an end.
5:26
Comment From Shikhar
Somebody please answer -Why is there no criticism on Mr Modi's declaration of global fall of Crude prices as his biggest achievement? Isn't it making a fool out of Indian citizens?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: There's been criticism of Mr. Modi. We leave it to you to come to conclusions.
Comment From Andrew?
Do Delhi people see Arvind Kejriwal as a changed person from the time he resigned as CM?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Andrew, that will be finally known on Feb 10 by 11 am. Not before that!!
5:27
Comment From nesh
who's having edge over other...........BJP or AAP
Vishal: difficult to predict, but they are surely in direct contest with each other
5:27
Comment From Abhishek
What makes delhi elections so catchy ? is it a positive for indian democracy ?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: They are a festival of democracy -- elections i mean!
5:28
Comment From Guest
I think AAP will rule
5:28
Comment From Guest
there is neck to neck contest but bjp will win
Comment From Vinay
Is not this election closest ever in the history of Delhi?
Sowmiya: It is definitely a closely and nail biting finish but it is incredibly close, yes. The 2013 elections threw up surprises and perhaps 2015 will also.
5:29
Comment From SiD
according to The Hindu what is mood of the people living in Chittaranjan Park in New Delhi after CPM & TMC both offering support to AAP?
Vishal: Morale of both AAP and BJP is high as both the parties think they have an edge
5:29
Comment From Dheeraj
How is the morale of BJP workers as compared to AAP workers? I read Amit Shah is a master in micromanaging the campaigns at the booth level. Will that have an impact on voting behaviour?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Amit Shah has demonstrated his ability of winning elections time and again. Delhi will be a big test for him though by all indications.
5:29
Comment From Guest
Is honesty and corruption-less actually more significant than providing development aided with such stuff?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: That's a good question. All the points you mention are important!!
5:30
Comment From Krishnan
I dont understand this election is a test for Modi. This is a state election, right? The issues are different
Sowmiya: The issues are different and context specific and voters appear to respond to political parties that are more specific in their promises. For instance, today I met a woman who lives in a JJ colony and said she will vote for a party that will better hers and her family's situation.
5:30
Comment From Lakshmi Narashiman
Why arent people vouching for the Congress?? Dont people think that many of BJP- AAP Promises are very tall and unrealistic to accomplish within a span of 5 years.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: The Congress ruled Delhi until very recently. But clearly the party has lost much of its sheen and must make efforts to stay relevant.
5:30
Comment From Abhishek
Say, if Kiran bedi lose, how would you put her as an opposition leader? How would Arvind fit in that role?
Vishal: wait an d watch,,,,bcoz in an intw to another newspaper she said she has lots of assignments of 'lecture'pending abraod
5:31
Comment From Sanjeet
By when can we expect the results of the Delhi Poll?
Sowmiya: February 10.
5:31
Comment From Mridula
Will Amit Shah lose his influence in party decisions if BJP loses this election?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Probably not. But he's clearly a very clever politician.
Comment From wiseidler
where is prashant bhushan these days? why has he become invisible?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: You are right. We might hear from him after the elections.
5:32
Comment From Sanjay
Can a (unlikely) defeat for AAP (non-majority) end future of honest and commitment based politics in the country?
Vishal: I ts difficult to predict there loss at this point in time
5:32
Comment From sanjay
Is there a chance of Kejriwal resigning again(if elected) if things don't go his way
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Good question! Kejrwial has said no he won't
5:33
Comment From Nilanjan Ghosh
do you see a community wise support pattern for any particular party in this election?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Doesn't seem to be the case. It's AAP versus BJP on a number of counts.
5:33
Comment From shashank
will kiran bedi remain in politics if she lost .....??
Sowmiya: She has said she will go back to speaking to students in foreign universities.
Comment From SHANKAR
WILL BJP WIN
Vishal: Wait for results on 10th
5:33
Comment From Guest
Defeat in election may be an obituary for AAP ?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Well that's what they said after Mr. Kejriwal's resignation. But AAP is in the reckoning again.
Smita Gupta: It would be a setback, certainly, but I would not write them off in a hurry
5:34
Comment From raju singh
would delhi be fully wi-fi if kejri wins..:P
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Good question. All the young people in the city would want that, including slightly older people like me.
5:34
Comment From Abhishek
God forbid, but in case of a hung assembly, should these parties form government or it would be better to hold a fresh election sooner than later?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Let's think in terms of a clear verdict first, Abhishek.
Smita Gupta: Well, it's not a case of what is better, but what is possible. Clearly the first effort will be to form a govt...
5:35
Comment From Guest
How powerful will be Delhi government run by AAP with BJP at center ?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: It will be an interesting equation. Both Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Modi are strong personalities.
5:35
Comment From shyamu
Will rulling delhi anyways easy for aap even if they come to power....
Vishal: Governance is not an easy job....especially if you make bagful of promises... moreover Delhi is difficult place to govern due to multiplicity of agencies....it wd be interesting to see how AAP performs, if it wins
5:35
Comment From SJ Jeberson
I have to thank The Hindu for not coming up with their Own Opinion Polls. Opinion Polls arent most of the time accurate and mostly inflated by numbers suited to mislead and confuse the Voter. By restraining from doing so, The Hindu has Upheald its unbaised electoral voting pattern views. SJ Jeberson. Nagercoil
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Thanks Mr. Jeberson for the comment.
5:36
Comment From Santosh Yadav
Is there any chance of hung assembly if no one get majority?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Of course there is!! That's why the EVMs will decide and not opinion polls and TV studios.
5:36
The Hindu: NEWS ALERT: AAP rejects offer of support by Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Bukhari
Smita Gupta: The Muslims are anyway voting for the AAP:the part doesn't need Bukhari's endorsement!
5:37
Comment From sonu jindal
Is it possible to make delhi fully wi-fied inthis budget because there is no such city except in taiwan??
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: The gap between promise and delivery -- we must ensure that parties do deliver what they promise.
5:37
Comment From prasan
do u think AAP can go national after delhi polls ?
Vishal: If it wins, it stands a chance bcoz it would find itself on a different political tangent after stopping the victory march of BJP, especially under Modi
Smita Gupta: I think the AAP has learnt its lesson: if it wins, it will first concentrate on making Delhi a model state. But certainly, it will try to grow in Punjab, from where it has a few MPS already
5:38
Comment From Shambhavi
One time defeat is a set back, twice in a row will be a serious blow. Will AAP survive in such a situation?
Sowmiya: Fascinating question. AAP looked ready to pack up after Lok Sabha defeat but over the last few months they have kept the BJP on their toes. Whether they will survive another defeat is something we will have to wait and watch.
5:38
Comment From Guest
AAP is maturing. Just saw them refusing the Bukhari's offer. Very mature step. The reason cited is ' Bukhari insulted PM Modi by not inviting him
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: They probably don't need such support at this juncture. Mr. Kejriwal has been careful on the issue of communal politics.
5:39
Comment From Guest
A good initiative from Hindu. Please keep this space live for all important new developments in future. Keep a watch on unnecessary comments.
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Thanks, my friend.
5:39
Comment From Vijay
Kejriwal who could not handle crowd during his first tenure as CM . I wonder how he will govern?
Vishal: Thats a challenge he is up against
Smita Gupta: Yes, he is on a learning curve, but he has matured asa politician since 2013
5:40
Comment From Jai
Neither BJP nor AAP has solid plan about pollution control in capital city ...is it not necessary to focus on ecological issues to win elections?
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: It should be Jai. That should be critical especially given the poor quality of the air in Delhi.
5:40
Comment From Ashraful
Imam association is supporting AAP, will it benefit or loss for AAP?
Vishal: AAP has rejected the offer
5:41
Comment From Deepak
Can Kiran bedi be the one reason If the BJP loses ?
Sowmiya: Difficult to say. Her induction has caused rifts but there has been a history of infighting within the BJP ranks.
Smita Gupta: No, can't pin the blame on her alone: she was brought in at the last moment because the BJP did not have a suitable face of its own
5:41
Amit Baruah, Resident Editor (Delhi):: Thank you all for your comments and questions. We must stop now. But we will do this again. In the meantime, please follow @delhiconnect for all the updates from Delhi and The Hindu. Have a good evening.
5:42
The Hindu: The live chat ends now! Thanks to all those to commented. Do stay tuned to @the_hindu for latest news updates!
