Atishi Files Nomination, Criticizes Police And Election Officials For Bias

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi successfully filed her nomination papers for the Kalkaji constituency on Tuesday, following a failed attempt the previous day. However, her move was accompanied by strong criticism of local election officials and the police, accusing them of acting swiftly on complaints from the BJP while ignoring those lodged by her own party, AAP.

Atishi expressed her dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Election Commission (EC) and the police, questioning their impartiality. She emphasized her concerns during a press interaction, stating, “I hope the commitment of free and fair elections given by the EC to us will be fulfilled.” Her statement came after the registration of an FIR in Kalkaji concerning the alleged misuse of a Public Works Department (PWD) van to transport AAP campaign materials.

FIR Against AAP Campaign Materials Sparks Controversy

Atishi compared her situation to that of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, who she claimed was being allowed to continue with violations of the election code without consequence. “When we complain about BJP candidate Parvesh Verma distributing money and spectacles, we are told an inquiry is underway. Yet, in my case, an FIR was filed without any investigation,” Atishi said, questioning the fairness of the investigation process.

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She added, “Something is fishy,” suggesting that lower-level election officials and the police were under undue pressure and potentially favoring a specific party. Atishi also accused Verma of openly violating the Model Code of Conduct, citing his social media posts, health camps, and the distribution of bedsheets as examples of misconduct.

Criticism Of BJP And Congress Collaboration

The Chief Minister also took aim at both the BJP and Congress, accusing the two parties of secretly collaborating to challenge AAP in the upcoming February 5 Delhi Assembly elections. She pointed to Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit’s prompt meeting with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to file a complaint against AAP’s policies, in contrast to AAP legislators, who reportedly face delays in securing appointments with the L-G.

On Monday, Atishi had attempted to file her nomination in Kalkaji but was forced to postpone after being part of an AAP delegation that met with Election Commission officials. The delegation had filed a complaint regarding the alleged manipulation of voters’ lists in the New Delhi constituency.

BJP Accusations Over Use Of Government Vehicles

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has leveled accusations against Atishi and AAP leaders, alleging the misuse of government vehicles for campaign purposes. The Kalkaji District Election Officer (DEO) acted swiftly, registering an FIR regarding the alleged use of a PWD van to transport Atishi’s campaign posters.

South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri addressed the media, claiming that a BJP district vice-president in Kalkaji had spotted a PWD van delivering Atishi’s campaign materials on January 7, shortly after the Model Code of Conduct had come into effect. “The AAP, which claims to be an honest party, is indulging in gross violations of the Model Code of Conduct,” Bidhuri alleged, emphasizing the disparity between the party’s words and actions.

An FIR has been filed against a PWD engineer accused of permitting the use of an official vehicle to transport AAP’s election campaign materials in the Govindpuri area, which falls within Bidhuri’s parliamentary constituency.

The political tension surrounding these allegations highlights the increasingly contentious atmosphere as Delhi’s February 5 Assembly elections draw nearer.