Delhi polls: Campaigning ends with promises, assurances

New Delhi: The high-decibel election pitch for the Delhi Assembly polls came to an end on Thursday evening with the leaders of various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, making their last-ditch efforts to woo the electorate in the national capital.

The BJP ended its campaign with a flourish, holding road shows in all assembly constituencies of the national capital in its endeavor to make a comeback in Delhi after 16 years. BJP chief Amit Shah fired salvos at his party's rivals, in particular AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal during his rally at Madanpur Khadar.

The BJP's chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi outlined the party's policies for women's safety and the city's development.

The AAP leaders on their part held a press conference, speeches and various road shows to convince the voters that they would give a stable government this time.

"My dear Delhiites, Vote for the broom to make Delhi the city of your dreams," tweeted Kejriwal.

Congress' chief ministerial candidate Ajay Maken also appeared optimistic and said that his party would return to power in Delhi. Maken said the opinion polls, which have predicted a dismal show for the Congress, would be proven wrong.

The polls, which are believed to be a direct fight between the BJP and AAP, have also witnessed a fractiously divided support base for the two parties.

While the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, headed by controversial spiritual leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, pledged its support to the BJP the All India Imam Association (AIIA) decided to back the AAP this time.

The AAP, which has come up with several promises this time for the betterment of Delhi, also got the support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat.

A total of 673 candidates are in the fray for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Delhi goes to polls on February 7, while the results will be declared on February 10.