Delhi MCD By-Election 2025: Counting Begins in 12 Wards as CM Rekha Gupta Faces Her First Big Test

New Delhi: The counting of votes for the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) by-elections 2025 has begun, marking the first major political test for newly elected Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The results are expected to play a key role in shaping public perception of her leadership and her “Viksit Delhi” development agenda.

Why Were Elections Held in Only 12 Wards?

The bypolls were conducted on November 30 across 12 wards, recording an overall voter turnout of 38.51%.
These vacancies arose after:

• 11 councillors were elected to the Delhi Assembly
• 1 councillor moved to Parliament

The Shalimar Bagh-B seat, previously held by CM Rekha Gupta, was also part of the bypolls.

• Highest turnout: Chandni Mahal – 55.93%
• Lowest turnout: Greater Kailash – 26.76%

A High-Stakes Battle: BJP vs AAP

The political contest is being viewed as a crucial indicator of public sentiment in the national capital. The current strength in the 250-member MCD House is:

• BJP: 116
• AAP: 99
• Indraprastha Vikas Party: 15
• Congress: 8

For the BJP, these bypolls follow a major victory in the recent Assembly elections. Meanwhile, AAP and Congress aim to regain support amid concerns over civic issues.

Although the MCD operates independently from the Delhi Assembly—meaning the results will not threaten the BJP government’s stability—they may influence political narratives ahead of the 2027 full MCD elections.

Public Sentiment on the Ground

While BJP supporters on social media expressed strong confidence in a sweep for the party, ground reports present a mixed picture.
Many voters told The Indian Express they continue to face issues like:

• Lack of road cleaning
• Poor drainage
• Repeated waterlogging during monsoons
• Minimal civic presence except during election time

One woman from a jhuggi cluster complained that drains outside her home are ignored by civic workers, who claim they are “private,” despite no proper sewer line.

Counting Underway

Counting began at 8 AM today. Early trends and results from all 12 wards will determine whether Rekha Gupta’s leadership gains stronger public support or faces early signs of civic dissatisfaction.