Delhi election: Kejriwal meets EC officials, flags ‘threat to voters by police’

EC officials told us they will ensure voters feel safe and cast their ballot without fear, said AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
| Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal led a delegation of party leaders to the Election Commission of India (EC) office on Tuesday and, in a meeting with senior officials, flagged attempts by the BJP to “manipulate the electoral process through the Delhi police”.

Mr. Kejriwal said the EC officials had pledged strict enforcement of the model code of conduct (MCC) to ensure a free and fair election.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, the AAP chief said, “We highlighted several incidents of violence and hooliganism in various parts of Delhi. We explained how Delhi Police is being misused to facilitate such acts.”

He added that the AAP leaders raised concerns about “large-scale suppression of voters” due to “intimidation by the police” and expressed the apprehension “that people might be bribed, threatened, or forcibly marked with black ink on their fingers to prevent them from voting”.

“The Election Commission officials said they will ensure voters feel safe and cast their ballot without fear,” said Mr. Kejriwal.

AAP has repeatedly accused the BJP of intimidating people to not vote for the Capital’s ruling party, distributing cash and liquor and directing the police to act against AAP workers. However, the BJP has denied the allegations.

The Delhi police report to the Union Home Ministry.

Following the meeting, the EC directed the police and election observers to maintain strict vigil across Delhi and ensure strict enforcement of the MCC.