Election Commission Slams AAP’s ‘Pressure Tactics’ Amid Delhi Polls

ECI Rejects Allegations of Bias, Reaffirms Fairness in Election Process

New Delhi, February 4: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly condemned what it calls “offensive pressure tactics” by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during the Delhi Assembly elections. The rebuke follows AAP’s accusations that the poll body was favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allowing “hooliganism” against AAP leaders and workers.

In an official statement, the ECI emphasized that all decisions regarding the election process were taken collectively, consensually, and unanimously by the three-member commission, which includes the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).

“The Commission, which includes the CEC and two ECs, denounces offensive pressure tactics by AAP. It collectively reinforces fair play by over 1.5 lakh election personnel working within a legal framework in the ongoing Delhi Elections,” the ECI said.

The poll body also rejected claims of bias and insisted that all actions taken during the election process were carried out by its extensive team of officials in accordance with legal guidelines and established procedures.

AAP vs Election Commission: War of Words Escalates

The political row intensified after the Delhi Police registered a case against Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to express his outrage, accusing the ECI and Delhi Police of working in tandem to disrupt the electoral process and benefit the BJP.

“The Election Commission has filed a police case against the Chief Minister of Delhi in response to a complaint about growing hooliganism. This shows that their ‘official work’ is to shield BJP’s wrongdoing, engage in hooliganism against AAP, and distribute liquor and money,” Kejriwal alleged in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Atishi Questions EC’s Motives

Delhi CM Atishi, who is contesting from Kalkaji, also accused the Election Commission of selective action, questioning why BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s relatives were not penalized despite allegedly violating the MCC.

“Ramesh Bidhuri’s family members are openly violating the Model Code of Conduct, yet no action is taken against them. However, when I file a complaint and call the police, they file a case against me instead! Rajiv Kumar ji (CEC), how much will you compromise the electoral process?” she wrote on X.

Delhi Police Defends Action Against AAP Leaders

Amid the controversy, the Delhi Police defended its actions, stating that AAP leaders had been found violating election norms.

According to DCP South East Delhi, Atishi and her supporters were caught moving around in a large convoy of 50-70 people and 10 vehicles in violation of the MCC.

“On February 4 at 12:30 am, AAP candidate from Kalkaji (AC-51) with 50-70 people & 10 vehicles was found at Fateh Singh Marg. Police instructed them to vacate due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Based on a complaint by the Flying Squad Team (FST), a case under Section 223 BNS & 126 RP Act was registered at Police Station Govindpuri,” the DCP said.

The Delhi Police also alleged that two AAP members, Ashmit and Sagar Mehta, obstructed and assaulted a police officer who was recording video evidence of their gathering.

“On February 4, at 00:59 hrs, a gathering was reported at Baba Fateh Singh Marg, Govindpuri. Head Constable Kaushal Pal responded and began videography. AAP members Ashmit & Sagar Mehta obstructed & assaulted him. An FIR has been registered under Sections 221/132/121(1)/3(5) BNS at PS Govindpuri for causing obstruction in public duty and assaulting an officer on duty,” the police statement read.

Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Key Details

• Polling Date: February 5, 2025
• Result Declaration: February 8, 2025
• Previous Election (2020): AAP (62 seats), BJP (8 seats), Congress (0 seats)
• Major Contestants: AAP, BJP, Congress

As Delhi gears up for polling day on February 5, the political battle between AAP, BJP, and Congress has reached a boiling point. While AAP is alleging unfair treatment, the ECI and Delhi Police maintain that they are enforcing election rules without bias.

With tensions running high, all eyes are now on election day, as voters decide the fate of the Delhi Assembly in what is shaping up to be a highly charged electoral battle.