NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised serious concerns over alleged voter intimidation and violations of the Model Code of Conduct, accusing the BJP of using violence and manipulation to influence the election outcome.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with Chief Minister Atishi, met with the Election Commission (EC) to raise these issues, emphasising reports of “widespread hooliganism” and “voter suppression” across the city.
Kejriwal claimed that the Election Commission made an exception by meeting with the AAP delegation during the silent period before elections, as such meetings are not typically allowed. “We raised concerns about violence and hooliganism, and the EC has assured us that strict action will be taken to ensure fair elections,” Kejriwal said after the meeting.
He also warned the Commission about the possibility of large-scale voter suppression, alleging that voters could be forcibly marked with ink and threatened not to vote. “The EC assured us that voters will be able to cast their ballots without fear,” Kejriwal added.
Meanwhile, CM Atishi expressed frustration with the EC, claiming that those raising complaints about violations were being harassed by the police. “The BJP is openly engaging in hooliganism. But instead of taking action against them, Delhi Police is protecting them, while the Election Commission is filing cases against those who are raising complaints,” she alleged.
Atishi also criticised the role of the Delhi Police and EC in facilitating BJP’s alleged misconduct. “History will judge whether democracy will survive in Delhi or not,” she said, urging voters to see through what she described as BJP-led “hooliganism.”
Earlier, AAP leaders accused the BJP of distributing money, alcohol, and goods to sway voters, particularly in constituencies like Kalkaji, Jangpura, and Rajinder Nagar. AAP leader Manish Sisodia claimed BJP workers were engaging in open violence and intimidation, while the police and EC remained silent.
“The Election Commission is turning a blind eye to these violations,” Sisodia alleged, adding that BJP goons had threatened AAP women activists and even intimidated residents in slums, warning them against voting for the party.
Sisodia further claimed that BJP supporters had forcibly taken voter IDs from residents, threatening them with violence if they tried to vote. “This election is being fought by the BJP, the Election Commission, and the Delhi Police in partnership,” he said, demanding immediate action against the alleged misconduct.
Responding to these accusations, the EC tweeted that it had directed strict monitoring and action against any violation of the MCC. “EC reiterates that all election officials should work impartially. Any partisan conduct disturbing the level playing field will be unpardonable,” the Commission said, urging citizens to report violations via its cVigil app.
AAP leaders accused the BJP of distributing money
Earlier, AAP leaders accused the BJP of distributing money, alcohol, and goods to sway voters, particularly in constituencies like Kalkaji, Jangpura, and Rajinder Nagar. AAP leader Manish Sisodia claimed BJP workers were engaging in open violence and intimidation, while the police and EC remained silent.