New Delhi: On the day Delhi Chief Minister Atishi filed her nomination papers for the Kalkaji Assembly seat, an FIR was lodged against her for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and using a government vehicle for political purposes. The FIR was registered by the Delhi Police at the Govindpuri police station based on a complaint from the returning officer of the Kalkaji constituency.
The development came just hours after Atishi submitted her nomination on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The FIR was filed following allegations that Atishi used a Public Works Department (PWD) vehicle, violating the Election Commission’s directives that prohibit the use of government vehicles for electioneering. Police officials stated that the case was registered under Section 223(a) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to disobedience to orders issued by public servants.
Reacting sharply to the FIR, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi Police and Election Commission of acting under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Singh alleged that BJP leaders who openly distribute bribes and engage in corrupt practices face no consequences. “Their leaders openly distribute money, sarees, blankets, gold chains, etc., get fake votes made, yet not even an FIR is registered. But an FIR is immediately registered against Chief Minister Atishi ji,” Singh posted on social media.
Addressing the media after filing her nomination, Atishi expressed confidence in the support of Kalkaji residents. “On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, I have filed my nomination from Kalkaji with a resolve to carry forward Arvind Kejriwal’s honest politics. Over the past five years, I have received immense love from the people of Kalkaji. I am confident that I will have their blessings in this election too,” Atishi stated.
She also took to social media, writing, “Today, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, I filed my nomination from Kalkaji with a resolve to carry forward Arvind Kejriwal Ji’s honest politics.”
In addition to addressing the FIR, Atishi criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Arvind Kejriwal and the selective action taken by the Lieutenant Governor (LG). Atishi highlighted that when Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit lodged a complaint against Kejriwal, the LG immediately accepted the complaint and took prompt action. “It is worth pondering how it happens that when Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit goes to the LG to file a complaint against Arvind Kejriwal, he is granted immediate time. His complaint is accepted, prompt action is taken, and an FIR is registered. Meanwhile, MLAs have to wait for days to get an appointment with the LG for work in their respective areas,” Atishi remarked.
Sanjay Singh also raised concerns about what he described as a biased approach by the authorities, adding, “The Election Commission, Delhi Police, SHO, DM—all of them are unable to act due to fear of the BJP. The Election Commission needs to act impartially. When we file a complaint against BJP leaders, no action is taken.”
While the BJP has not yet responded officially to Atishi’s allegations, they had earlier filed a complaint accompanied by a video accusing her of misusing government machinery.