New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi met with the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday, raising concerns over alleged intimidation tactics being used in the national capital ahead of the February 5 assembly elections.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kejriwal, accompanied by AAP leader Raghav Chadha, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Delhi Police of creating an atmosphere of fear among voters through alleged acts of “hooliganism.”
“We informed the EC about how Delhi Police is being misused to intimidate voters. Many residents are scared, and there is a possibility that voter turnout may be affected due to fear,” Kejriwal said.
The former chief minister further alleged that efforts were being made to suppress voter participation, particularly among slum dwellers.
“There are reports that people’s fingers are being marked with black ink to prevent them from voting and that money and threats are being used to influence voters. We raised these concerns with the EC,” he added.
Kejriwal thanked the Election Commission for granting them a meeting despite the ongoing silence period before the polls and said the officials assured them of a free and fair election. “The EC has promised to take necessary steps to prevent any wrongdoing,” he stated.
Atishi Accuses BJP of “Hooliganism” and EC of Bias
Echoing Kejriwal’s concerns, Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP of orchestrating violence while alleging that both the Election Commission and Delhi Police were shielding saffron party workers while targeting AAP members.Atishi, who is contesting from the Kalkaji constituency, asserted during a press conference that India’s democracy now rests in the hands of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
“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 raise complaints,” she claimed.
Atishi specifically alleged that BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, who is contesting against her in Kalkaji, and his family members were engaging in intimidation tactics, yet no action had been taken against them.
“The people of Delhi are witnessing everything. On one side, a party wants to stop free welfare schemes and is resorting to violence. On the other, AAP is working to ensure that every household saves Rs 25,000 per month,” she stated.
FIR Against Atishi Sparks Political Storm
Hours after her remarks, Delhi Police registered an FIR against Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and obstructing a public servant from performing his duty.Police officials stated that Atishi, along with 50-70 supporters and 10 vehicles, was found blocking Fateh Singh Marg in violation of the MCC. When instructed to clear the area, she allegedly obstructed a police officer from carrying out his duty.
A police official further claimed that an AAP worker had slapped a head constable during the incident.
Responding to the FIR, Atishi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to accuse the EC of bias.
“BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and his family members are openly engaging in hooliganism, yet no action is taken against them. Instead, a case has been filed against me,” she wrote.
Kejriwal also reacted to the development, posting in Hindi on X, “The Election Commission has filed a police case against the Delhi CM after she complained about open hooliganism.”
“So now, this is the official stand of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission—their ‘job’ is to indulge in hooliganism against AAP, protect the BJP’s hooliganism, and distribute liquor, money, and goods. If anyone tries to stop them from doing this ‘work,’ a case will be filed against them for obstructing the ‘work’ of the police and the Election Commission,” he alleged.
Delhi heads to the polls on February 5, with results set to be declared on February 8.
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