New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday slammed Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP's) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi after both leaders accused the poll body of bias. Kejriwal and Atishi claimed that the ECI was ignoring the actions of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and taking action against AAP members. The poll body called it a "pressure tactics" by the AAP leaders.
"The 3-member Commission collectively noted repeated deliberate pressure tactics to malign ECI in Delhi Elections, as if it is a single member body & decided to have constitutional restraint, absorbing such outbursts with sagacity, stoically & not to be swayed by such insinuations," the ECI said in its X post.
The poll body further added that the action was taken on complaints of each political party and its officials are functioning within the established legal framework.
"Action on issues raised by political parties & candidates are taken in each instance by over 1.5 lakh officials in #DelhiAssemblyElection2025 who are functioning within established legal framework, robust processes & SoPs ensuring fair play&non partisan conduct," the poll body stated.
The AAP leaders targeted the EC after the Delhi Police registered two cases - one against Atishi and another against her supporters for allegedly attacking a police official. The FIR was filed against the Delhi CM for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and obstructing public servants on duty,
"We have registered an FIR against the Kalkaji AAP candidate at the Govindpuri Police Station under various sections and further investigation is under process," said the police officer as reported by PTI.
After the police booked Atishi, she accused the BJP of engaging in "hooliganism" and alleged that the ECI and Delhi Police are shielding saffron party workers, while targeting AAP leaders and members.
Atishi, who is contesting from the Kalkaji constituency, claimed at a press conference here that democracy in India was now in the hands of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and the country is watching "if it survives in the national capital".
"The BJP is openly engaging in hooliganism. But instead of taking action against them, Delhi Police is protecting them, while the Election Commission is filing cases against those who are raising complaints," she said.
The chief minister specifically accused BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, who is contesting the poll against Atishi, and his family members of engaging in "hooliganism" in Kalkaji, and alleged no action had been taken against them.
"The people of Delhi are watching everything. On one side, there is a party that wants to stop free welfare schemes and is engaging in violence. On the other, the AAP is working so that every household saves Rs 25,000 per month," she asserted.
Officials said she and a group of 50-70 supporters with 10 vehicles were found blocking the Fateh Singh Marg, violating the Model Code of Conduct. When instructed to vacate the area, she allegedly obstructed a police officer from carrying out his duty.
A police official claimed an AAP worker slapped a head constable. In response to the allegation, Atishi ok to social media platform X, accusing the Election Commission of bias. "BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and his family members are openly engaging in hooliganism, yet no action is taken against them. Instead, a case has been filed against me," she wrote.
The Delhi Assembly Elections are scheduled to take place in a single phase on February 5. Votes will be counted on February 8.
