New Delhi. There is not much time left for Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, and meanwhile the dispute between Aam Aadmi Party and Bharatiya Janata Party regarding the home voting process is deepening. AAP alleged that BJP is colluding with the Election Commission to influence the rights of voters in Delhi. The party raised questions on the presence of BJP workers during home voting on Sunday and called it dangerous for Indian democracy.
Election Commission gave clarification
Responding to AAP’s allegations, the Election Commission clarified that like the General Elections 2024, arrangements for home voting have been made in the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 also for the convenience of voters from certain groups. This facility is for senior citizens above 85 years of age and physically handicapped (PwD) voters, so that they can vote without any hassle.
12D form necessary for home voting
According to the Election Commission, eligible voters are required to fill Form 12D to avail this facility. The Commission said that till now 6447 applications have been received from 85+ senior citizens and 1058 applications from disabled voters. Till January 26, 1271 senior citizens and 120 disabled voters have exercised their franchise. After the application is approved, a special polling team, consisting of election officials and security personnel, will visit the voters’ homes before 5 February 2025 and give them the opportunity to vote.
Video recording is being done for transparency
Clarifying the allegations made by AAP, the Election Commission said that the entire process is being completed with transparency. All the candidates of the assembly constituency have been given information about the voting process and route plan. Candidates or their authorized representatives can accompany the polling team. The polling team will provide ballot papers and ensure that voting is conducted with secrecy and transparency. Apart from this, video recording of the entire process is also being done.
Home voting is completely voluntary
The Election Commission clarified that this facility is completely voluntary. Voters who select this option will not be allowed to cast their vote at the polling station on the election day. According to the Commission, this initiative is an important step to promote inclusive voting, so that senior citizens and physically handicapped voters can also participate in the democratic process without any difficulty. Voting for Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 is scheduled to take place on February 5, and before that the electoral battle has intensified.
