New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly refuted allegations made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which claimed that the poll body is being solely controlled by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. In response, the Commission asserted on Tuesday that it is a three-member body and dismissed attempts to malign its integrity as "repeated deliberate pressure tactics."
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the EC emphasized that it functions as a collective entity, countering the "false impression" that it operates under a single-member authority. The poll panel stated that it has chosen to exercise "constitutional restraint" in the face of such accusations, maintaining composure without being influenced by these claims.
AAP’s Allegations Against EC
AAP leaders, including party convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have accused the EC of favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by ignoring alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Kejriwal specifically alleged that CEC Rajiv Kumar was avoiding action against the BJP in hopes of securing a post-retirement appointment.
Kumar is set to retire on February 18 upon reaching the age of 65. The Election Commission currently comprises Rajiv Kumar, Gyanesh Kumar, and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as its members.
Election Commission’s Response
Reacting sharply to the allegations, the Commission stated,
"The three-member Commission collectively noted repeated deliberate pressure tactics to malign ECI in Delhi elections, as if it is a single-member body. It has decided to exercise constitutional restraint, absorbing such outbursts with sagacity, stoically, and not to be swayed by such insinuations."
Delhi Polls: High-Stakes Battle
Delhi is set to go to the polls on Wednesday, with AAP aiming to retain power while the BJP intensifies efforts to form the next government.
This rare rebuttal from the Election Commission underscores the growing political tensions ahead of the crucial elections.
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