New Delhi: Amid stringent multi-layered security, counting of votes for the 70-member Delhi assembly, that constitutes the crucial national capital region, began at 8 AM on Saturday.
The voting for forming the government in the Union Territory was held on February 5, with over 60 percent of the citizens expressing their democratic choice by pressing the EVM buttons.
The fate of 699 candidates, including Chief Minister Aatishi, her predecessor and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BJP leaders Parvesh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri and prominent Congress names like Sandeep Dikshit and Alka Lamba would be known today.
According to officials, 19 counting centres have been set up across Delhi, each under the watch of an Assistant Police Commissioner.
Most of the exit polls have predicted a victor for the BJP that would bring to an end the decade-long rule of the Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party split over three terms. A few exit polls have, on the other hand, forecast triumph of the Àam Aadmi Party (AAP).
To ensure a smooth and transparent counting process, 38 companies of Central Armed Police Force have been roped in for guarding the counting centres. The local police would provide security in the counting centre premises and the initial entry points.
UNI
