Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Feb. Political Firestorm on the Eve of Delhi Elections
With less than 24 hours to go before the Delhi Assembly elections, the political atmosphere in the capital has reached a fever pitch. In a dramatic turn of events, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Chief Minister Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Atishi, who is also AAP’s candidate from the Kalkaji constituency, was reportedly found at Fateh Singh Marg in the early hours of February 4, accompanied by 50-70 supporters and 10 vehicles.
The police instructed her and her supporters to vacate the area, citing election rules that prohibit public gatherings and campaigning 48 hours before polling begins—a period known as the silence period. However, the situation escalated when the Flying Squad Team (FST), responsible for enforcing MCC violations, filed a formal complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR at Govindpuri Police Station under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 126 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act.
This incident has sparked an intense political controversy, with Atishi and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal launching scathing attacks on the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Delhi Police, alleging a bias in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The timing of the FIR—on the eve of elections—has further fueled speculations of political motivations behind the action.
With Delhi’s electoral battle intensifying, the FIR against the sitting Chief Minister raises several critical questions. Was this a justified enforcement of election rules, or is it a targeted move against AAP? How will this impact voter sentiment in the national capital? This exclusive analysis examines the details, reactions, and broader implications of this controversy.
What Led to the FIR? Understanding the Allegations
According to the Delhi Police, Atishi was found violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly conducting an unauthorized public gathering during the silent period. The MCC mandates a ban on public rallies, speeches, and political campaigning in the 48 hours leading up to polling day to allow voters to make an informed decision without undue political influence.
A police statement detailed that Atishi, along with a group of 50-70 people and 10 vehicles, was present at Fateh Singh Marg at 12:30 AM on February 4. When confronted, she was asked to disperse, but a complaint was still lodged by the Flying Squad Team (FST), leading to an official FIR under Section 126 of the RP Act and Section 223 of the BNS.
Section 126 of the RP Act prohibits public meetings and campaign-related activities during the 48-hour silence period before polling. Section 223 of the BNS, the new criminal code that replaces IPC provisions, is related to disobedience and obstruction of official duties.
The timing of the FIR, however, has raised eyebrows, given that Delhi is set to vote within hours. AAP leaders argue that similar violations from the BJP have not been acted upon, indicating selective targeting of opposition parties.
Atishi’s Strong Reaction: “Election Commission Is Working for BJP”
Soon after the FIR was made public, Atishi hit back hard, accusing the Election Commission and the Delhi Police of political bias. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“The Election Commission is amazing! Ramesh Bidhuri ji’s family members are openly violating the code of conduct. No action is being taken against them. I filed a complaint and called the police and @ECISVEEP, and they filed a case against me!”
She went on to question the integrity of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, stating:
“How much will you ruin the electoral process?”
Her remarks reflect AAP’s broader grievances with the Election Commission, which the party has accused in the past of favoring the BJP. Atishi’s statement also highlights a pattern in recent elections, where opposition leaders have accused institutions of acting under pressure from the ruling party.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Furious Response: “The Official Stand of the Delhi Police and Election Commission is Clear”
Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal wasted no time in jumping into the fray, accusing the Election Commission and the Delhi Police of deliberately targeting AAP while ignoring BJP violations.
He released a sharp statement on social media, claiming:
“So now this is the official stand of Delhi Police and Election Commission—The ‘job’ of the Delhi Police and the Election Commission is to indulge in hooliganism against the Aam Aadmi Party, protect the hooliganism of the BJP, and distribute liquor, money, and goods. If anyone stops them from doing this ‘work,’ a case will be filed against him for obstructing the ‘work’ of the police and the Election Commission.”
Kejriwal’s allegations are explosive, as they accuse the ECI and law enforcement agencies of colluding with the BJP to create an uneven playing field. He also indirectly referenced past allegations of BJP leaders distributing cash, liquor, and freebies before elections, implying that the FIR against Atishi was a distraction tactic.
BJP’s Defense: “ECI Is Impartial, AAP is Playing the Victim Card”
BJP leaders have strongly defended the Election Commission’s actions, calling the FIR a legitimate consequence of breaking electoral rules.
Senior BJP leader and MP Ramesh Bidhuri dismissed Atishi’s accusations, stating:
“AAP has a habit of playing the victim card whenever they are caught red-handed. The Election Commission is an independent body, and if Atishi violated the Model Code of Conduct, she must face the consequences. This is not a BJP versus AAP issue; this is about following the law.”
BJP spokespersons further argued that AAP has often bent rules in past elections and that this FIR is not politically motivated but legally justified.
Was the FIR Justified or Politically Motivated?
The FIR against Delhi CM Atishi just hours before polling raises serious questions about the timing and impartiality of election authorities.
On one hand, if Atishi did violate MCC guidelines, then the Election Commission was well within its rights to take action. The law applies to all political parties, and leaders must be held accountable regardless of their position. The ban on public gatherings before voting is a standard procedure meant to prevent last-minute influence on voters.
However, AAP’s accusations of selective enforcement cannot be ignored. If BJP candidates or their associates were also engaging in similar activities but faced no action, it raises legitimate concerns of bias. The ECI’s credibility rests on its ability to enforce election laws fairly across party lines.
The timing of the FIR—on the eve of elections—also suggests a possible attempt to destabilize AAP’s campaign and create negative headlines about its leadership right before voting begins. Whether or not this will impact voter sentiment remains to be seen.
Conclusion: High-Stakes Battle in Delhi
With Delhi heading to the polls, the FIR against Atishi has added another layer of tension to an already heated election. The bitter war of words between AAP and the Election Commission has cast a shadow over the credibility of the electoral process.
If AAP’s claims of ECI bias gain traction, it could lead to serious questions about the impartiality of Bharat’s election machinery. On the other hand, if Atishi is proven to have violated MCC, it will be a major embarrassment for AAP’s leadership.
As Delhiites head to the ballot box, this controversy will likely play a role in shaping public perception. The final verdict, however, will come not from courts or commissions—but from the people of Delhi, who will decide whether they believe this is a case of genuine law enforcement or political targeting.
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