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Kejri demands independent observers

Says AAP men attacked; poll body denies claim
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Days ahead of the Delhi Assembly poll, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday demanded that the Election Commission deploy special observers in his New Delhi constituency, alleging “hooliganism” by the BJP.

In a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, Kejriwal cited various instances of attack, threat and intimidation of AAP volunteers and supporters allegedly by the BJP. He also alleged that the Delhi Police too were intimidating AAP workers at the BJP’s behest. “We fear our volunteers may be detained, threatened or even assaulted on poll eve and election day to cripple our election operations,” he charged in his letter. He demanded the CEC deploy special independent election observers in New Delhi to monitor police activity on the night before the polling day and prevent any unlawful detentions.

Kejriwal also sought protection to AAP volunteers by any agency other than the Delhi Police. He also demanded action against police officers and BJP workers involved in threatening and attacking party workers.

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The Delhi Election Commission, for its part, said no written complaints could be traced regarding alleged harassment and intimidation of AAP volunteers by BJP workers.

“The District Election Officer, New Delhi, stated that no written complaints could be traced in most of the cases regarding the allegations of BJP workers intimidating and harassing AAP volunteers in New Delhi constituency. However, it has also been informed that whenever written complaints are received, all such matters are investigated invariably in accordance with laws and Election Commission norms… appropriate action is either initiated or recommended,” the poll body said in a statement.

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The Delhi CEO also said necessary action was taken by the law authorities in all cases regarding specific complaints mentioned by Kejriwal.

“As far as the issue of independent observer is concerned, it is to inform that general observers, expenditure observers and police observers have already been deployed for all constituencies, including New Delhi,” the CEO’s statement read.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have assured Kejriwal of strict action against those accused of encircling AAP’s campaign van and tearing down the party’s posters on Sunday.

The BJP hit back at Kejriwal, claiming he had sensed defeat in the elections and it had impacted his “language and mental condition”. The AAP is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the BJP is determined to reclaim the capital after more than 25 years. (With PTI inputs)

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