New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday, raising concerns about alleged intimidation tactics and misconduct in the run-up to polling day.
The meeting, attended by Delhi CM Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, focused on complaints regarding the role of the Delhi Police and the possibility of voter suppression.
चुनाव आयोग से मिले राष्ट्रीय संयोजक @ArvindKejriwal जी ‼️
👉BJP और दिल्ली पुलिस जगह-जगह गुंडागर्दी कर रही है, चुनाव आयोग ने इस पर सख़्त Action लेने की बात कही है।
👉BJP और दिल्ली पुलिस की गुंडागर्दी के डर से लोग कल Vote डालने से घबराएं नहीं, इसपर भी चुनाव आयोग ने कहा है कि वो… pic.twitter.com/LlcArKq4qC— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 4, 2025
Following the discussion, Kejriwal stated that the ECI had assured them of strict action against any violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and a commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the capital.
AAP Raises Concerns Over Intimidation and Voter Suppression
Addressing the media after the meeting, Kejriwal emphasized that the Election Commission had made an exception to meet them during the silent period before polling. “We appreciate the Election Commission for taking the time to hear our concerns,” he said.
AAP alleged that BJP-linked individuals, with the backing of the Delhi Police, were involved in acts of intimidation across various constituencies. “We informed the Commission about multiple incidents where BJP is using the police to facilitate hooliganism,” Kejriwal said. “We have provided several examples of this happening in different parts of Delhi.”
Kejriwal also voiced apprehensions about possible voter suppression on election day. “There is a serious concern that BJP’s goons may intimidate voters, stop them from stepping out to vote, or even mark their fingers with black ink to prevent them from casting their votes,” he stated.
Election Commission Assures Action Against Violations
According to Kejriwal, the ECI assured AAP leaders that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent any electoral malpractices. “They have committed to strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and ensuring voters feel safe enough to participate in the election process without fear,” he said.
He added that AAP had flagged potential last-minute efforts to influence voters through coercion or bribery. “We raised concerns that people might be threatened, bribed, or forcibly marked with black ink to make them ineligible to vote. The Election Commission assured us they would take appropriate action to stop such activities.”
Kejriwal concluded by thanking the Election Commission for addressing their concerns, reiterating the need for strict monitoring on polling day to prevent any attempts at voter suppression.