Mr Kejriwal's AAP is expected to play spoiler in a fight between the incumbent Congress and the BJP.
New Delhi:
As Delhi voted in record numbers today, the attention-grabber is Arvind Kejriwal who is leading the city's newest political party.
Mr Kejriwal, 44, cast his vote this morning, surrounded by a large group of supporters chanting "Jhaadu, jhaadu (broom, broom)," the party's election symbol.
Mr Kejriwal's nine-month-old Aam Admi Party (AAP) is expected to play spoiler in a fight between the incumbent Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.
"I am very confident of the results. It will not be my victory but that of the people," Mr Kejriwal said. He added that he will do <i>vipassana</i> or meditation for the next two days and "return on December 7". The results will be counted on the 8th (Sunday).
"The extra-ordinary turn-out suggests a new enthusiasm to participate in democracy," said Yogendra Yadav, a famous psephologist and AAP leader. He added that a large turnout is usually an indicator of a dramatic shift.
The results of the election in Delhi and four other states which voted recently will be used to forecast the possible outcome of next year's national elections in the world's biggest democracy.
Mr Kejriwal chose New Delhi as his constituency, a bold move that placed him in direct competition with Sheila Dikshit, the 76-year-old chief minister who is looking for a record fourth term. The BJP has fielded former Delhi chief Vijender Gupta for the same area.
Mr Kejriwal has campaigned against endemic and systemic corruption. His supporters expect him to capitalize on the disillusionment with the two major political parties by offering what it claims will be an honest administration which takes the pressing problems of the city as its priority.
In recent weeks, huge batallions of AAP volunteers have trudged through the alleys of the city's poorest neighborhoods to tap the deep vein of dissatisfaction that has gripped Delhi residents, particularly over corruption and the soaring cost of living.
While campaigning, Mr Kejriwal has dramatically brandished his party's election symbol, the broom while vowing to "sweep out the rubbish that has accumulated over the decades."
Mr Kejriwal, 44, cast his vote this morning, surrounded by a large group of supporters chanting "Jhaadu, jhaadu (broom, broom)," the party's election symbol.
Mr Kejriwal's nine-month-old Aam Admi Party (AAP) is expected to play spoiler in a fight between the incumbent Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.
"I am very confident of the results. It will not be my victory but that of the people," Mr Kejriwal said. He added that he will do <i>vipassana</i> or meditation for the next two days and "return on December 7". The results will be counted on the 8th (Sunday).
"The extra-ordinary turn-out suggests a new enthusiasm to participate in democracy," said Yogendra Yadav, a famous psephologist and AAP leader. He added that a large turnout is usually an indicator of a dramatic shift.
The results of the election in Delhi and four other states which voted recently will be used to forecast the possible outcome of next year's national elections in the world's biggest democracy.
Mr Kejriwal chose New Delhi as his constituency, a bold move that placed him in direct competition with Sheila Dikshit, the 76-year-old chief minister who is looking for a record fourth term. The BJP has fielded former Delhi chief Vijender Gupta for the same area.
Mr Kejriwal has campaigned against endemic and systemic corruption. His supporters expect him to capitalize on the disillusionment with the two major political parties by offering what it claims will be an honest administration which takes the pressing problems of the city as its priority.
In recent weeks, huge batallions of AAP volunteers have trudged through the alleys of the city's poorest neighborhoods to tap the deep vein of dissatisfaction that has gripped Delhi residents, particularly over corruption and the soaring cost of living.
While campaigning, Mr Kejriwal has dramatically brandished his party's election symbol, the broom while vowing to "sweep out the rubbish that has accumulated over the decades."
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