North-West Delhi reserved lok Sabha seat appeared to go towards the BJP despite its comparatively new entrant Udit Raj. His main opponent Rakhi Birla, former Social Welfare Minister of Delhi in the 49-day Government of Arvind Kejriwal, who hails from Mangolpuri area of the constituency, is lagging behind. Rural voters of Bawana, Narela, Rithala, Kirari and other regions came out in droves to cast their votes. The polling booths of the area witnessed long queues since early morning. The area has around 22 lakh voters, which is the highest in the national Capital.
The area, considered the most backward region of the State, clearly reflected its mood for change this time. Not just youth voters, women and senior citizens also came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. The polling booths of the area had registered 10 per cent polling till 9 am and it reached 25 per cent around 11 am. The voting percentage had touched 50 per cent till 3 pm and it was more than 63 per cent at the end of polling.
Notably, the number of female voters was almost same as male voters. With a steady swell in women coming out to vote, the message is clear: women want to have a say in public life.
The voting trend in Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Rithala, Rohini, Kirari and Nangloi Jat appeared in favour of BJP as people to cast their vote for a change of guard at the Centre. Mangolpuri and Sultanpuri, considered strongholds of Aam Aadmi Party, reflected splicing of votes between AAP, BJP and Congress.
BJP candidate Udit Raj, who voted early morning, said that there was a tide of support in his favour since people were fed up with the dirty politics of
AAP and Congress. Not just urban voters, rural voters too wanted to see the last of Congress.
“Since I am seeking votes on area development, people are extending their support to me,” said the BJP candidate.