Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: First-Time Voters Prioritise Jobs Over Freebies As Polling Underway

Delhi's first-time voters are making their presence felt in the ongoing Assembly elections, with many enthusiastically heading to the polls.

For these young voters, every ballot matters, and they are prioritising their civic duty.

Notably, unemployment and youth empowerment have emerged as key concerns, taking precedence over free benefits as the primary issues influencing their voting choices, reported news agency ANI.

Some first-time voters have voiced their worries about unemployment, considering it a more pressing issue for young people than freebies. The dynamic, tech-savvy generation, aged 18-26, is transforming the electoral process through active participation.

Muskan Garg, one of the early voters at a polling station in Daryaganj within the Karol Bagh Assembly constituency, said, "It is our right to cast votes. People keep complaining about the government, but until we go out and cast our votes, how will a fair government come to power? Every vote counts. We take this day as a holiday, but we should first cast our votes and then go anywhere else..."

After casting her first vote at a polling booth in Tagore Garden within the Rajouri Garden Assembly constituency, 21-year-old Ishita stated, "... I am majorly targeting unemployment. I would like the government to target unemployment and generate more opportunities. Everyone talks about freebies, but youth empowerment is more important..."

Delhi has 1,56,14,000 registered voters, including 83,76,173 men, 72,36,560 women, and 1,267 third-gender voters. The electorate also comprises 2,39,905 first-time voters aged 18-19, 1,09,368 elderly voters aged 85 and above, and 79,885 persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, saplings are being distributed to early voters at polling booths in Lodhi Estate under the New Delhi Assembly constituency.

Following her vote, an elderly voter remarked, "... We are habituated to this environment as we have been voting for many years. I have voted for the betterment..." Another voter highlighted the need for a "strong government", urging citizens to exercise their right to vote.

"I request all fellow citizens to come out of their homes and cast their votes because we need a strong government at this time. Vote for whoever you may think can work firmly for you," she said.

Polling for all 70 Assembly seats commenced on Wednesday morning in Delhi, with voters casting their ballots for the 8th Assembly under tight security. Voting began at 7:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm, officials confirmed.

Approximately 97,955 personnel and 8,715 volunteers have been deployed for the elections. Security arrangements include 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 19,000 Home Guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel to ensure a peaceful polling process.

Key battleground constituencies include New Delhi, Jangpura, and Kalkaji. AAP, which currently holds over 60 of the 70 Assembly seats, is seeking re-election based on its record over the past two terms. The New Delhi seat is witnessing a high-profile three-way contest featuring former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), BJP's Parvesh Verma, and Congress's Sandeep Dikshit (son of former CM Sheila Dikshit).

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making a determined effort to reclaim power.