What Is 03rd Legislative Assembly of Delhi

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Quick Answer: The 3rd Legislative Assembly of Delhi was constituted on December 18, 2003, following elections held on December 1, 2003, with a tenure lasting until December 8, 2008. The Indian National Congress won 47 of the 70 assembly seats with a 48.1% vote share, enabling Sheila Dikshit to form the government as Chief Minister.

Key Facts

Election held on December 1, 2003, with results announced on December 4, 2003
Congress won 47 seats with 48.1% vote share in the 70-seat assembly
BJP secured 20 seats with 35.2% vote share in second position
Sheila Dikshit sworn in as Chief Minister on December 18, 2003
Assembly tenure was 5 years from December 18, 2003 to December 8, 2008

Overview

The Third Legislative Assembly of Delhi was constituted following the Delhi Legislative Assembly election held on December 1, 2003, with results announced on December 4, 2003. This assembly represented a significant chapter in Delhi's political history as the National Capital Territory transitioned through successive electoral cycles. The assembly encompassed 70 seats distributed across the NCT of Delhi, making it a substantial body for legislative representation.

The electoral process witnessed participation from six national parties, twelve state parties, forty-five registered unrecognized parties, and numerous independent candidates, reflecting the diverse political landscape of India's capital. The Indian National Congress emerged as the single largest party and successfully formed the government, continuing its political dominance in Delhi governance. The 3rd Assembly served for a complete five-year term from December 18, 2003, to December 8, 2008, during which various legislative initiatives and policy decisions shaped Delhi's development trajectory.

How It Works

The Third Legislative Assembly operated as the primary legislative body of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, following India's constitutional framework and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act. The assembly functioned through various established mechanisms and processes:

Electoral Composition: The assembly consisted of 70 elected members representing different constituencies across Delhi, with proportional representation based on the votes polled by competing political parties.
Government Formation: The party or coalition securing the majority of seats formed the government, with the leader of the majority party appointed as Chief Minister by the Lt. Governor, who serves as the constitutional head.
Legislative Sessions: The assembly convened for regular sessions to debate bills, discuss government policies, pass laws, and address matters of public interest through question hours and adjournment motions.
Committee Structure: Various standing committees and select committees were constituted to examine specific issues, review government functioning, and ensure accountability of the executive branch to the legislature.
Budget and Finance: The assembly held exclusive authority to approve the annual budget, taxation measures, and financial allocations for government departments and public services.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	3rd Assembly (2003-2008)	2nd Assembly (1998-2003)	4th Assembly (2008-2013)
Election Date	December 1, 2003	November 25, 1998	November 29, 2008
Winning Party	Indian National Congress (47 seats)	Indian National Congress (67 seats)	Indian National Congress (43 seats)
Chief Minister	Sheila Dikshit	Sheila Dikshit	Sheila Dikshit
Vote Share (Winner)	48.1%	59.0%	47.2%
Opposition Seats	BJP 20, Others 3	BJP 3, Others 0	BJP 26, Others 1

Why It Matters

Political Continuity: The 3rd Assembly marked the continuation of Sheila Dikshit's tenure as Chief Minister, demonstrating voter confidence in her administration and the Congress party's policies for Delhi's governance and development.
Democratic Representation: With participation from multiple national and state parties, the 2003 elections reaffirmed Delhi's commitment to democratic processes and competitive political engagement, allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose representatives.
Policy Implementation: The assembly during this five-year term implemented various development projects, social welfare schemes, and governance reforms that influenced Delhi's infrastructure, education, healthcare, and urban development sectors.
Legislative Autonomy: This assembly period strengthened Delhi's legislative framework and the extent of democratic participation, contributing to the evolution of governance in the Union Territory.

The Third Legislative Assembly of Delhi represented a pivotal period in the capital's democratic journey, balancing continuity with political accountability. The assembly's work during 2003-2008 laid groundwork for various urban development initiatives, implementation of reservation policies, and administrative reforms that shaped Delhi's contemporary governance structure. The election results demonstrated the electorate's preferences while the assembly's functioning reinforced democratic institutions in India's capital, setting precedents for subsequent legislative bodies and contributing to the evolution of Delhi's political landscape in the early 21st century.