Delhi votes on Feb 5, results on Feb 8; AAP eyes hat-trick
The Election Commission of India (EC) on Tuesday announced single-phase Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, with the counting of votes on February 8. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, is pushing hard for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is going all out to turn the tables on the ruling party.
EVMs tamper-proof
Courts have noted there is no evidence of unreliability in EVMs. There is no question of introducing a virus or bug… Evidence inspires confidence that EVMs are tamper-proof and foolproof devices. Rajiv Kumar, Chief election commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, while announcing the election schedule, urged the political parties to uphold decorum during the elections and emphasised that necessary steps would be taken to ensure free and fair polling.
The EC would conduct checks to prevent any misuse of money, the CEC asserted. “We will check everyone to ensure money-free elections. During recent polls, there was a hue and cry that some helicopters were checked. People even threatened polling officers but we control ourselves because it disturbs a level playing field,” he said. The CEC asked political leaders, especially star campaigners, to set a positive example.
“The star campaigners and those in political campaigns are duty bound to ensure that etiquette is followed... We will be very harsh,” he said.
District magistrates and returning officers will be responsible for ensuring fairness and maintaining a level playing field for all candidates. Kumar further urged political parties to refrain from exerting undue pressure on poll officials. The CEC issued a stern warning to those using abusive language against women and using children for campaigning, saying the EC would “cross the line”, if required.
“I will urge such candidates not to bring down the level of campaigning. On the one hand we are speaking of empowering women, but on the other we try and abuse them. This will not be tolerated. We should condemn such comments. As the model code of conduct is now in place, if any such incident comes to our notice, then action will be taken. If needed, we will cross the line,” said Kumar, while responding to a question related to recent objectionable remarks made by BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.
The gazette notification for the elections will be issued on January 10. The last date for filing of nominations will be January 17, while the scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 18. Candidates can withdraw their papers by January 20.
The term of the 70-member Delhi Assembly ends on February 23. While AAP looks to overcome anti-incumbency, the BJP is playing up corruption charges against AAP convener and former CM Kejriwal in a bid to wrest power. Also in the fight is the Congress, which is going it alone and targeting both the BJP and AAP, which was its ally during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Delhi has 1,55,24,858 voters — 83,49,645 men, 71,73,952 women and 1,261 third gender. Of the 24,44,320 senior citizen voters, 2,77,221 are above the age of 80.
Amid allegations of EVM tampering during the recent Maharashtra and Haryana polls, the CEC said, “For us, voter comes first, followed by political parties and the media. We never interfere in campaigning or political discourse, unless it starts hampering the electoral process.”
