ECI Criticizes AAP For Using ‘Offensive Pressure Tactics’ During Delhi Elections

On Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) condemned the ‘offensive pressure tactics’ employed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the ongoing Delhi Assembly elections.

This response came after AAP accused the Commission of supporting ‘hooliganism’ against them and shielding the BJP’s actions.

The ECI stated, “Collective, consensual and unanimous decision making: Commission which includes CEC and 2 ECs denounces offensive pressure tactics by AAP; Collectively reinforces fair play by over 1.5 lakh election personnel in ongoing Delhi Elections within legal framework and SOPs.”

The ECI addressed AAP’s claims, stating that these were part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish its reputation.

Taking to X, the ECI posted, “The 3-member Commission collectively noted repeated deliberate pressure tactics to malign ECI in Delhi Elections,as if it is a single member body & decided to have constitutional restraint, absorbing such outbursts with sagacity, stoically & not to be swayed by such insinuations.”

The Delhi Police filed a case against Delhi CM Atishi for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which triggered AAP’s accusations.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that over 1.5 lakh officials are addressing concerns raised by political parties and candidates in the Delhi Assembly election, with action taken on each issue.

The ECI noted, “Over 1.5 lakh officials in the #DelhiAssemblyElection2025 address issues raised by political parties and candidates in each instance, functioning within the established legal framework, robust processes, and SoPs to ensure fair play and non-partisan conduct.”

ECI Filed Case Against Delhi CM Over Hooliganism: Kejriwal

In response, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed his frustration on social media. He accused the ECI and Delhi Police of conspiring against the AAP.

Kejriwal claimed that their actions targeted supporting the BJP, engaging in hooliganism, and distributing money and liquor to sway voters.

Taking to X, Kejriwal posted, “In response to a complaint about the growing hooliganism, the Election Commission has filed a police case against the Chief Minister of Delhi. So now, the official stance of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission is – The ‘work’ of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission is to engage in hooliganism against the Aam Aadmi Party, provide protection to the BJP’s hooliganism, and distribute liquor, money, and goods.”

“If anyone tries to stop them from doing this ‘work,’ a case will filed against that person for obstructing the ‘work’ of the police and the Election Commission,” the post further added.

Ramesh Bidhuri’s Family Violating Code Of Conduct, No Action Taken: CM Atishi

CM Atishi also reacted strongly, questioning the ECI’s impartiality. She pointed out that officials took no action against BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s family despite allegations of MCC violations.

Taking to X, the Delhi CM posted, “The Election Commission is also amazing! Ramesh Bidhuri ji’s family members are openly violating the code of conduct. No action has taken against them. I filed a complaint and called the police and Election Commission, and they filed a case against me! Rajiv Kumar ji: How much will you ruin the electoral process.”

The DCP South East Delhi stated on X that AAP candidate Atishi, accompanied by 50-70 supporters and 10 vehicles, violated the MCC on Tuesday.

“On 4/2/25 at 12:30 am, AAP candidate from Kalkaji (AC-51) with 50-70 people & 10 vehicles found at Fateh Singh Marg. Police instructed them to vacate due to MCC.On complaint by FST, a case u/s 223 BNS & 126 RP Act is regtd at PS Govindpuri,” noted the DCP.

In another post on X, the DCP South East Delhi reported that AAP members Ashmit and Sagar Mehta obstructed and assaulted a Head Constable.

“On 04/02/25, at 00:59 hrs, a gathering reported at Baba Fateh Singh Marg, Govindpuri. HC Kaushal Pal responded & began videography. AAP members Ashmit & Sagar Mehta obstructed & assaulted him,” the post added.

Additionally, the DCP asserted, “FIR No. 106/25 is registered u/s 221/132/121(1)/3(5) BNS at 0S Govindpuri for causing obstruction in discharge of public duty & assault while on duty. Further investigation is in progress.”

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