EC responds to manipulation, bias allegations ahead of poll
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 4
The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday stated that despite efforts being made to malign its reputation in the course of the Delhi Assembly elections, as if it was a single-member entity, it has decided to maintain constitutional restraint.
In a post on X, the poll panel said, “The three-member body collectively noted repeated deliberate pressure tactics to malign EC 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.”
In another post, the EC said: “Action on issues raised by political parties and candidates are taken in each instance by over 1.5 lakh officials on election duty, who are functioning within established legal framework, robust processes & SoPs ensuring fair play & non-partisan conduct”.
Later in the evening, a delegation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, party convener Arvind Kejriwal, and Raghav Chadha, met with the EC to address allegations of BJP’s manipulation of the election process.
Highlighting widespread intimidation tactics across the Capital, the AAP leader demanded immediate action against those responsible and sought an assurance of a free and fair election from the poll panel.
“We have just returned from a meeting with the Election Commission. They informed us that, normally, they do not meet anyone during the silent period, but they made an exception today. We appreciate the Election Commission for this,” Kejriwal told mediapersons outside the EC office.
During the meeting, the AAP leaders raised concerns about large-scale voter suppression.
“Due to this hooliganism, including police-led and BJP-sponsored intimidation, many people might be too scared to leave their homes and cast their votes. The Election Commission assured us that they will ensure that voters feel safe and are able to step out to vote without fear,” Kejriwal said.