Synopsis
On February 4, the Election Commission asserted that it has been subjected to calculated pressure tactics orchestrated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the Assembly elections in Delhi draw near, emphasizing its commitment to constitutional integrity amidst unfounded allegations.Key Takeaways
- The Election Commission faces pressure from AAP.
- Allegations of bias against the BJP persist.
- CEC Rajiv Kumar advised to prioritize duties.
- AAP claims retaliation against its leaders.
- EC emphasizes its independence and legal framework.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) In light of a steady and targeted offensive by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Election Commission announced on Wednesday that it has encountered repeated and intentional pressure tactics aimed at discrediting it in the lead-up to the Assembly elections in the national capital.
Using its social media platform on X, the electoral body expressed that it ‘observed’ these ongoing pressure tactics but opted to exercise constitutional restraint and refrained from being influenced by such ‘unfounded’ accusations.
This troubling statement from the electoral body follows a series of assaults and allegations directed at it by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal. The ongoing political conflict involving AAP, BJP, and Congress has shifted focus to the Election Commission after the ruling party accused it of ‘inaction’ concerning BJP’s electoral misconduct and ‘suppression’ of its members.
For several days, senior AAP officials have been launching direct attacks against the Election Commission, with Kejriwal even advising Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar to ‘perform his duties’ and ‘abandon his aspirations’ for the position. He also claimed that the EC has ‘capitulated’ to the BJP, creating the impression that it is non-existent.
On Tuesday, tensions escalated as Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP leaders intensified their criticism of the electoral body. The Delhi CM alleged that she filed a complaint against the misconduct of a BJP candidate, only to be subsequently charged herself. Heightening the assault, Kejriwal asserted that the EC was operating under the directives of the Home Minister and was, unsurprisingly, covering up BJP's wrongdoings.
“Such actions against the Delhi CM amount to hooliganism by the EC,” he stated on X.
In what appeared to be a response to AAP’s direct accusations, the EC remarked, “The three-member Commission collectively observed repeated and intentional pressure tactics to defame the ECI during the Delhi Elections, as if it were a single-member entity, and decided to exercise constitutional restraint, absorbing such outbursts with wisdom, stoically & not to be influenced by such implications.”
It further clarified that punitive measures regarding concerns raised by political parties and candidates are taken in each instance by over 150,000 officials working within the established legal framework.
It is noteworthy that Kejriwal-led AAP has been at odds with the electoral panel, even alleging that the CEC is looking for post-retirement perks, leading to a ‘lenient’ stance towards the BJP.
