The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday strongly condemned the “offensive pressure tactics” employed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the ongoing Delhi elections. The statement came after the AAP accused the poll body of backing “hooliganism” and protecting the BJP’s “misdeeds.”
The ECI issued a statement clarifying its position: “The Election Commission, including the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners, denounces the offensive pressure tactics by AAP. We collectively emphasize fair play by the over 1.5 lakh election officials working within the legal framework and SOPs.”
The Commission expressed concern over repeated attempts to malign its credibility, noting that the three-member body has exercised constitutional restraint and dealt with the allegations calmly. “The Commission has been subjected to repeated deliberate pressure tactics, as though it is a one-member body. Despite this, we remain steadfast, absorbing such outbursts with wisdom and not being swayed by these accusations,” the ECI posted on X.
AAP’s accusations followed a case filed by the Delhi Police against Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate Atishi for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The ECI reiterated that actions are taken on issues raised by political parties and candidates in every instance by the 1.5 lakh election personnel, all of whom operate within established legal processes and guidelines to ensure fairness and impartiality.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to voice his frustration, claiming that the ECI and Delhi Police are colluding to disrupt the electoral process and favor the BJP. Kejriwal alleged that their primary objective is to protect the BJP’s interests while engaging in “hooliganism,” including the distribution of liquor and money. He further asserted that anyone who attempts to intervene will be punished.
Kejriwal posted on X, saying, “In response to complaints about rising hooliganism, the Election Commission has filed a case against the Delhi CM. The official position of the Delhi Police and ECI seems to be that their ‘job’ is to attack the AAP, protect BJP hooliganism, and distribute money and liquor.”
Delhi CM Atishi also responded to the developments, pointing out that no action had been taken against BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, whose family allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct. She raised questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality and whether it was undermining the election process. “No action is being taken against Ramesh Bidhuri’s family. I file a complaint, and they register a case against me! How far will the Election Commission go in ruining this election process?” Atishi posted on X.
Meanwhile, the DCP of South East Delhi posted on X detailing an incident involving AAP candidate Atishi. According to the police, Atishi and a group of 50-70 people with 10 vehicles were found violating the Model Code of Conduct on February 4. The police had to intervene and register a case against her for the violation.
The DCP also reported that AAP members Ashmit and Sagar Mehta had obstructed and assaulted a Head Constable during the incident. An FIR has been filed, and further investigations are ongoing.
