AAP, BJP candidates accuse each other of poll code violations

Candidates of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) levelled allegations of electoral malpractices against each other during polling on Wednesday, even as the police reported no breach of law and order.

While senior AAP leaders and Assembly poll candidates Manish Sisodia (Jangpura) and Saurabh Bharadwaj (Greater Kailash) accused the BJP of distributing cash and preventing voters from reaching the polling booths, BJP’s Anil Gaur (Seelampur) claimed that bogus voters were being allowed to cast ballot in his constituency. However, the police denied these claims.

In a post on X, alleging breach of the model code of conduct, AAP accused the BJP of “distributing cash” to voters in a building close to a polling booth in Sarai Kale Khan, which is a part of Jangpura Assembly seat.

In response, DCP (South East) Ravi Kumar Singh said, “Allegations of bribing voters in Sarai Kale Khan were promptly investigated. The police conducted a thorough verification. No evidence was found to substantiate the claims.”

Later in the day, Mr. Bharadwaj alleged that the police were trying to stop residents from voting by placing barricades near a polling station.

However, DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said barricades were placed and lifted as per protocol. “We lift barricades for the elderly and those with mobility impairment. Such voters are allowed to bring their cards inside the polling stations, and this rule is implemented everywhere.”