Synopsis
With the Delhi Assembly elections approaching, opposition parties have accused AAP of using Punjab Police vehicles for campaigning. In response, AAP claims the BJP is targeting Punjabis for political gain. The heated political climate continues to spark accusations and counterclaims among the parties.Key Takeaways
- Accusations against AAP for using Punjab Police vehicles in Delhi.
- Political tensions rising ahead of the February 5 elections.
- Concerns over misuse of police for campaigning.
- BJP claims Punjab Chief Minister is flooding the area with vehicles.
- Both AAP and BJP accuse each other of political exploitation.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) With only two weeks left before the Delhi Assembly elections, opposition parties such as the BJP and Congress have leveled accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for allegedly utilizing Punjab Police vehicles in the national capital to enhance their election campaign. The AAP countered these claims by accusing the BJP of politically exploiting the sentiments of Punjabis.
The elections are set for February 5, intensifying the rivalry between political opponents.
Sandeep Dikshit, the Congress candidate from New Delhi Assembly, asserted that the AAP was employing Punjab Police vehicles.
"Anyone can campaign -- whether from Punjab or any other state. However, the real question is, what are Punjab Police vehicles doing in Delhi?" Dikshit expressed to IANS.
By showcasing a picture of a Punjab Police vehicle, Dikshit charged that certain individuals were campaigning with the assistance of Punjab Police, even though Punjab is not a bordering state to Delhi.
"Do you see Haryana Police or Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police vehicles in Delhi? What is the role of Punjab Police here? This raises significant concerns regarding the misuse of law enforcement for campaigning," he alleged.
"It is acceptable to bring party workers from Punjab, UP, or anywhere else, but it is inappropriate to involve police or officials from any state in the election campaign. This is a serious issue," Dikshit stated.
Dikshit mentioned that he has urged the local SHO to take prompt action against this alleged breach of the Model Code of Conduct.
The BJP also joined the accusation, with New Delhi Assembly candidate Parvesh Verma claiming that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his ministers have inundated the constituency with vehicles registered in Punjab.
"Thousands of vehicles with Punjab registrations are circulating here. Who occupies these vehicles? With Republic Day preparations ongoing, what are their activities that might jeopardize security?" Verma inquired.
Verma further accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating his campaign using a convoy of 50 cars and 400 personnel from Punjab Police. He alleged that Rs 50 crore had been allocated by the Punjab government for Kejriwal's campaign in New Delhi and called for an investigation by the Election Commission.
Reports indicate that Kejriwal has opted out of security from Delhi Police and will instead receive protection from Punjab Police.
In response, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed these allegations as unfounded and derogatory to Punjabis.
"Delhi is the nation's capital. Vehicles from every state are present here. How can anyone question the presence of Punjab vehicles in Delhi? Such claims are highly insulting and perilous," Mann remarked.
Accusing the BJP of targeting Punjabis for political gain, he stated, "Today, every Punjabi feels insulted. The BJP’s assertions imply that Punjabis pose a threat to national security, which is intolerable. Amit Shah Ji, rather than blaming Punjabis, address the infiltration of thousands of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas into the country. You owe an apology to the Punjabis."
Kejriwal retaliated against the BJP's allegations, accusing them of disrespecting the sacrifices made by the Punjabi community that has resided in Delhi for decades.
As political tensions escalate, this controversy has further inflamed an already charged election campaign in Delhi, with all three primary parties accusing one another of breaching ethical and political norms.
