Kejriwal Raises Alarm Over Pre-Voting Violence, Seeks Election Commission's Intervention
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): With Delhi Assembly elections set to take place tomorrow, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approached the Election Commission today, a day before voting, to file a complaint about alleged violence in the lead-up to the polls. Kejriwal expressed concerns about potential voter suppression and alleged hooliganism by the Delhi Police.
Following a meeting with the Election Commission, Kejriwal stated, "We just met with the Election Commission, and we are grateful for their cooperation. We raised our concerns regarding the alleged violence and hooliganism by the Delhi Police. The Election Commission has assured us that strict action will be taken to ensure fair elections." Kejriwal also mentioned the potential risk of voter intimidation. "There is a concern that people may be intimidated tonight, and their fingers may be marked with black ink to prevent them from voting tomorrow," he said. "The Election Commission assured us that measures will be taken to ensure that voters can cast their ballots peacefully and without fear."
In response, the Election Commission issued a statement on X, urging all election officials to continue working impartially and emphasizing that any conduct disrupting equal opportunities would be deemed unacceptable. The Commission also directed all observers to maintain stringent vigilance in border areas overnight to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. It called for strict action against any form of inducement or threats, and encouraged citizens, parties, and candidates to use the C-Vigil app for reporting violations. Before his meeting with the Election Commission, Kejriwal accused the Delhi Police of threatening AAP candidate Jay Bhagwan Upkar from the Bawana Assembly constituency. In a post, Kejriwal shared an allegation by AAP's Chief Media Coordinator, Vikas Yogi, accusing a police official disguised as a goon of issuing threats. "A goon in police attire is openly threatening. Amit Shah, India will not tolerate your hooliganism," Kejriwal wrote.
This development comes amid a separate incident where the Delhi Police registered a case against Chief Minister Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. The police stated that Atishi, along with AAP supporters, prevented an officer from performing his duties on Fateh Singh Marg, and that two AAP members reportedly attacked a police constable.
