NEW DELHI: In a bold move, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to rig the upcoming Delhi elections by manipulating voter lists and distributing freebies in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.
In a high-level meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI), AAP leaders raised concerns over irregularities in voter registrations and alleged malpractices by the BJP. Arvind Kejriwal, National Convener of AAP, led the delegation, which included Delhi CM Atishi, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha.
Kejriwal pointed out that the BJP has been registering 30-40 new votes at the residences of its MPs and ministers in the New Delhi Assembly constituency in the past 15-20 days.
He accused the local District Magistrate (DM) of being complicit in this voter manipulation, stating, “We informed the Election Commission about how, in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, applications are being filed using addresses of BJP MPs and Ministers for creating 30-40 votes each in the last 15-20 days.”
The AAP delegation also highlighted the distribution of cash and gifts, including blankets, shoes, jackets, and glasses, allegedly by the BJP to influence voters.
Kejriwal questioned how the local DM could overlook these activities. “When blankets are being distributed openly, trucks loaded with blankets are arriving in the afternoon, and the entire world can see it, how is it possible that the DM cannot see it?” Kejriwal asked.
Kejriwal demanded the immediate suspension of the DM for supporting illegal activities, while the Election Commission confirmed the transfer of Awadh Ojha’s voter registration. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of fraudulent voting, emphasizing AAP’s commitment to fair elections.