Pankaj, who serves as a constable in Delhi Police, is contesting the Assembly elections from the New Delhi constituency, the seat from where former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is vying to reach the state Assembly. Pankaj told the news agency ANI that his election symbol is a shoe, which is a very strong thing for corrupt people.
"This day will be written in golden words in the history of Democracy... If I win, I will go to the Vidhan Sabha; if I lose, I will return to my duty... I have been living in Delhi for the past 40 years and serving in Delhi Police for the past 22 years... I know about all the problems and challenges which the public of Delhi is facing... I will work for the public and will solve their issues," he said.
Notably, Arvind Kejriwal has won the last three Assembly elections from the New Delhi seat. This year, BJP has fielded Parvesh Verma against Kejriwal while Congress has pitted Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, from the seat.
Can government employees contest elections while holding their posts?
The short answer is no. No state or central government employee is allowed to contest any election or participate in political activities.
Various laws prohibit government servants from contesting elections. However, if they resign or retire from duty, they can contest without any hindrance.
If the person wins the election, he/she will remain relieved from duty. In case a person loses, it is up to the government and high courts to decide whether to reinstate that person in the duty from which they were relieved, as per Livemint report.
