The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the Delhi Assembly elections on Tuesday, January 7, at 2 PM. The term of the current 70-member Delhi Assembly is set to end on February 23, necessitating elections to form a new government.

In 2020, the election schedule was declared on January 6, with voting taking place on February 8 and counting on February 11. This year’s announcement is eagerly awaited as key parties prepare for a high-stakes battle.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is eyeing a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to seize control of the national capital. The Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years, is also working hard to stage a comeback, hoping for a surprising turnaround in its fortunes.

In the last two elections, AAP dominated, securing 67 and 62 seats in 2015 and 2020, respectively. The BJP managed single-digit victories in both elections, while Congress was unable to win a single seat.

Although AAP and Congress recently joined forces during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as part of the INDIA bloc, they will face off separately in the upcoming Assembly polls. For AAP, this election is critical as it seeks to reaffirm public trust following Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation last year in connection with the liquor policy case. Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its campaign against AAP, accusing the party of corruption.

The AAP has already finalized its candidates, releasing all 70 names, making it the first major party to do so. Arvind Kejriwal will once again contest from the New Delhi constituency, while current Chief Minister Atishi is set to seek re-election from Kalkaji.

With the schedule announcement hours away, all eyes are on the ECI as Delhi braces for another fiercely contested election.