Delhi Assembly Election 2025 Schedule Notified; Rajeev Kumar Clears ECI’s Stand on EVMs

Delhi Assembly Election 2025: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. Voting will be conducted in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. The bye-elections for Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh and Erode (East) in Tamil Nadu will also follow the same schedule.

#WATCH | Delhi to vote in a single phase on February 5; counting of votes on February 8 #DelhiElections2025 pic.twitter.com/QToVzxxADK

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025

Key Dates:

Gazette Notification Issuance: January 10, 2025

Last Date for Nominations: January 17, 2025

Scrutiny of Nominations: January 18, 2025

Last Date for Withdrawal: January 20, 2025

Polling Date: February 5, 2025

Counting of Votes: February 8, 2025

Completion of Election Process: February 10, 2025

Rajeev Kumar Clears ECI’s Stand on EVMs

While announcing the election schedule, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar addressed concerns about the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. He revealed that since 2019, over 4.5 crore VVPAT slips have been matched with EVM results, with zero discrepancies. Kumar emphasized the transparency and reliability of the system, highlighting that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed petitions calling for 100% VVPAT verification and a return to paper ballots.

Kumar further reassured voters that the ECI continuously monitors and enhances the electoral process to uphold the integrity of India’s democracy. He dismissed allegations of EVM tampering and manipulation, maintaining that the established systems ensure a fair election process.

Supreme Court’s Stand on VVPAT Verification

Kumar highlighted that the Supreme Court had earlier rejected petitions demanding 100% VVPAT verification and a return to paper ballots. The court upheld the current system of random verification of five VVPAT slips per assembly constituency, deeming it sufficient to ensure accuracy.

In response to public concerns, the ECI has intensified its efforts to boost voter confidence by conducting mock polls and audits. Kumar reassured voters that every precaution is taken to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. "The ECI is fully prepared to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections," he concluded.