Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the voters to come out in large numbers in the Delhi Assembly polls and cast their ballots against "false promises, polluted Yamuna, liquor shops, broken roads and dirty water."

"Today, vote in large numbers to form a government that has a strong track record of public welfare and a clear vision for the development of Delhi. Your one vote can make Delhi the most developed capital of the world," he wrote.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday urged citizens to prioritise voting in the Delhi Assembly elections and stressed that voting should be guided by the principles of 'Sarvajan Hitaya' (welfare of all) and 'Sarvajan Sukhaya' (happiness of all), regardless of caste, religion, or region. She noted that the BSP ran its government in UP for four times based on these principles, establishing the rule of law and justice-based laws.

BSP Chief also urged people to first vote and then take refreshment so that a good government can be elected on the basis of the right to vote given to the citizens by Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged the Delhi voters to cast their votes, stating that their vote is not just limited to pressing a button, rather it's the foundation of your children's bright future. "It is an opportunity to provide good schools, excellent hospitals and a respectable life to every family," he said.

"Today we have to defeat the politics of lies, hatred and fear and make truth, development and honesty win. Vote and also inspire your family, friends and neighbours. Hooliganism will lose, Delhi will win," he wrote on X.

Election Commissioner Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu cast his vote at a polling booth in Moti Bagh. Speaking to news agency ANI, Dr Sandhu assured that election preparations were fully in place and everything is going smoothly.

"Voters who are coming here are being taken care of and facilitated...The experience is good. I also spoke with the voters. Everyone is very happy," he said.

He encouraged all citizens to vote and urged them to motivate others to participate in the democratic process.

"I urge everyone to step out to vote and convince others to do the same. Everyone must vote," Dr Sandhu said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has appealed to the Delhi voters to cast their vote to elect those people who have worked for Delhi and reject those who have "cheated" them by making "false promises."

"The voting process has started in the Delhi Assembly elections. I appeal to the respected people of Delhi to cast their valuable vote. Your one vote will prove to be a symbol of change in Delhi," Mr Kharge said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"If Delhi has to move forward on the path of development like before, then choose those people who have really worked for Delhi. They have not cheated you by making false promises," he added.

The Congress president also appealed to the voters to reject those who only want to hold on to power.

"Those who have not taken even a single step for broken roads, dirty water, garbage everywhere and polluted air and only made excuses, you have to think how much they care about you before pressing the button on the EVM. Those who only want to hold on to power by doing fake wrestling are not the rightful owners of your vote. Delhi's brotherhood, harmony, prosperity, well-being, and all-inclusive development are paramount," he said.

"You should choose the one who put Delhi on the path of progress. I urge our youth, especially those who are voting for the first time, to welcome this festival of democracy and definitely take part in voting. Every need will be fulfilled, Development of Delhi is necessary," he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi cast her vote. Speaking to media, she said, people of Delhi will vote for work, honesty and goodness. "Today's election in Delhi is not just an election, it is a Dharam Yuddh (religious war). This is a battle between good and evil. It's a battle between work and hooliganism. I appeal to all the people of Delhi to cast their vote. Vote for work, vote for goodness. Truth will prevail," she said.

She also hit out at Delhi Police for allegedly supporting BJP. 

8.1 per cent of the people of Delhi have voted till 9 am. This is 3 percentage points higher than the voter turnout during the last elections in 2020.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and his wife Sunita Dwivedi posed for a photo at a selfie booth, after casting their vote at a polling booth at K Kamraj Lane in the New Delhi Assembly constituency. They were also gifted saplings for being amongst the early voters.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia cast his vote at Lady Irwin School in Delhi. Mr Sisodia is contesting from the Jangpura constituency and is up against BJP's Tarvinder Marwah and Congress' Farhad Suri.

Before casting vote, Mr Sisodia offered prayers at Kalkaji Mandir. In a conversation with NDTV, he said, "The people of Delhi should get a government that can educate their children well, provide them employment, keep people healthy and ensure electricity bills aren't high."

Alka Lamba, Delhi Congress candidate is celebrating the "great festival of democracy" with her father. Ms Lamba went to the polling booth with her father to cast vote. "It is our duty to use the power given to us by the Constitution in the right manner. The people of Delhi are requested to come out of their homes and ensure their participation in this great festival of democracy," she wrote on social media.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri along with his Lakshmi cast vote at polling booth in Mount Carmel School, Anand Niketan. Sharing their picture on social media, Mr Singh said, "Now it’s your turn!"

Mr Singh also urged Delhi voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote. "We must use the power of the ballot to ensure a better and brighter future for Delhi and usher in a new era of transformative development," he wrote.

President Droupadi Murmu casts her vote at Nirman Bhawan polling booth in Delhi.

"It is the festival of democracy in Delhi today and I appeal to the voters of the national capital to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights so that Delhi becomes a developed capital of the developed nation," said BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj. She said, only the lotus will bloom on February 8.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri along with wife Lakshmi Puri, joins party workers at the party's help desk outside the polling station in Anand Niketan.

84-year-old Harman Singh is the first voter at a polling booth in Tagore Garden of Rajouri Garden. He believes it is "duty" and "responsibility" to vote and every citizen should fulfill their duty.

"The people of Delhi are excited because they want change and development. No one can stop this change from taking place," said Alka Lamba, Delhi Congress candidate. "In the last 10 years, people of Delhi saw the national capital's development derail and move backward by 20 years. I hope people of Delhi will step out of their homes and vote for change," she added.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra cast vote at a polling booth in Moti Bagh, Delhi.

After offering prayers at Kalkaji Mandir in Delhi, AAP leader Manish Sisodia exclusively spoke to NDTV. "The people of Delhi should get a government that can educate their children well, provide them employment, keep people healthy and ensure electricity bills aren't high," he said.

When asked what did he pray for before casting his vote, Mr Sisodia said, "Under the leadership of AAP, may Delhi get a government that works for people and ensure their happiness."

Mr Sisodia is contesting from the Jangpura constituency and is up against BJP's Tarvinder Marwah and Congress' Farhad Suri.

Sandeep Dikshit, the son of Delhi's former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, casted vote. Speaking to media, he said, "I voted for a candidate I believe will do a good job."

Mr Dikshit stayed away from making any political remark against any leader. "Today is the day to vote and we hope everyone votes," he said.

Making a reference to his mother and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit he said, "People are remembering the woman who built Delhi."

AAP leader Manish Sisodia offers prayers at Kalkaji Mandir ahead of casting his vote. Mr Sisodia is contesting from the Jangpura constituency and is up against BJP’s Tarvinder Marwah and Congress’ Farhad Suri.

Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva cast his vote and appeals to Delhiites to come out in big numbers and vote for a better and developed Delhi and corruption free government.

"Vote for a government that will work in line with the centre," he said. "Delhi will vote for a developed Delhi," he added.

Soon after the voting began at 7am, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) initiated protest at polling booth number 73 at the College of Arts, Tilak Marg. AAP members were seen inside the polling station, questioning the process and mock drill. They alleged that mock drill took place in their absence.

BJP candidate from New Delhi Assembly constituency, Parvesh Verma offers prayers at Yamuna Ghat, ITO ahead of casting his vote.

Congress candidate from New Delhi constituency, Sandeep Dikshit cast his vote.

Sandeep Dikshit, the son of Delhi's former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, is contesting from the New Delhi seat on a Congress ticket. Mr Dikshit, a two-time Parliamentarian, will take on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who defeated Sheila Dikshit from this seat in 2013 and 2015. BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma from this seat.

If you will be casting your first vote today, here is all you need to know what happens in the polling booth:

Check-in and Verification: A polling official will verify your name in the electoral roll and ask for your ID proof. Once your identity is confirmed, your left forefinger will be inked to prevent double voting.

Receiving Voter's Slip: You will be given a voter's slip, which you need to sign in the register.

Voting: You'll proceed to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). In the booth, press the button next to the candidate's symbol of your choice. A beep will confirm your selection and a red light will glow next to the candidate's name.

VVPAT Check: After voting, the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will show the selected candidate's name, serial number, and symbol for seven seconds.

Exit: Once done, exit the booth, show your inked finger to indicate you've voted, and leave the premises.

What's closed:

In a video message to Delhi voters, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to Delhiites to exercise their voting right and "bring in the wave of good governance and progress." He urged the citizens to "lay the foundation stone of Delhi's bright future" by participating in building a "prosperous and progressive Delhi."  

The voting for the single-phased Delhi Assembly Election will begin in less than half an hour across 13,033 polling stations. Polling officers are geared up to conduct this exercise. Last evening, on the eve of the Delhi Assembly elections, polling officials carried electronic voting machines (EVM) and other election materials to their respective polling stations.

Mock polling underway at a polling booth in Nirman Bhawan under the New Delhi Assembly constituency. Delhi will start voting on 70-member assembly from 7am.

You can also use the Voter Helpline app by linking your mobile number to your EPIC number from your Voter ID.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting from the New Delhi seat, where he is up against BJP's Parvesh Verma and Congress's Sandeep Dikshit.

Chief Minister Atishi is contesting from the Kaklaji constituency. While BJP has fielded Ramesh Bidhuri, Congress’s Alka Lamba stands from the same constituency.

AAP Leader Manish Sisodia has taken over the Jangpura constituency, up against BJP’s Tarvinder Marwah and Congress’ Farhad Suri.

Six main parties are contesting the Delhi elections. AAP, Congress and BSP have fielded 70 candidates each. While BJP has fielded 68 candidates, NCP 30, AIMIN 12.

63 per cent of the AAP candidates have criminal cases against them.

This time an unusual record has been made with only 48 sitting MLAs contesting.