Election Commission Directs AAP to Modify Campaign Song Amid Controversy

The Election Commission of India has instructed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to revise its Lok Sabha elections’ campaign song due to concerns over its content. The poll panel has deemed the repeated reference to Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in the song as casting aspersions on the judiciary, a violation of its guidelines and Advertising Codes.

Specifically, the phrase “jail ke jawaab me hum vote denge” (we will vote in response to imprisonment) in the song, depicting an aggressive crowd holding Kejriwal’s photo behind bars, has drawn scrutiny. The Election Commission has cited this phrase’s recurrence in the advertisement as contravening its guidelines and relevant Cable Television Network Rules.

In March, Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case sparked controversy, with AAP alleging political motives behind it. Despite the Delhi High Court’s recent affirmation of the arrest’s legality, AAP maintains that it was orchestrated by the BJP to hamper Kejriwal’s campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

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AAP leader Atishi has denounced the Election Commission’s action, labeling it as a political maneuver by the BJP. She asserted that banning AAP’s campaign song is unprecedented in Indian electoral history, accusing the Election Commission of favoritism.

Atishi further criticized the Election Commission for allegedly turning a blind eye to violations of the Model Code of Conduct by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.