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India: Hindu nationalist ruling party BJP facing defeat in Delhi polls amid controversial citizenship
February 11, 2020

The results of a bitterly fought election in India's capital Delhi will be released shortly, with exit polls predicting a big win for the governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The relatively young political outfit has been praised for its focus on education and development.

A win for AAP will be seen as a setback for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The party ran a high-decibel campaign led by the federal home minister.

Polling took place on 8th February, with a voter turnout of around 61%.

The battle for Delhi is largely symbolic. Unlike other states, its local government does not have full administrative powers.

In its last term, AAP, led by its charismatic chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, constantly campaigned for greater autonomy for the state. Control of its police force, land, and law and order rests with the federal government.

Despite this, the election campaign was bitterly fought and often turned ugly.