Delhi Police have registered a case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) just hours before the Delhi assembly elections began on February 5, 2025. Khan, who is contesting from the Okhla constituency, found himself under scrutiny after video footage emerged online, purportedly showing him distributing stickers and election materials late on February 4, 2025, around 1 am.
The incident took place in the Batla House area of Jamia Nagar and prompted police action when they were alerted to the gathering, which occurred after official campaigning had ended on February 3, 2025. Based on the video evidence, the police lodged the First Information Report (FIR) at the Jamia Nagar Police Station. "Based on the video and subsequent investigation, an FIR has been registered. Further inquiries and investigation are underway," confirmed a police source.
The Model Code of Conduct is enforced by the Election Commission to maintain fairness during elections, and it prohibits any campaigning or public meetings within 48 hours of the polls. This timing has drawn additional attention, highlighting possible infringements by those seeking to influence voter behavior right up to the last moment.
Khan’s actions are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern observed during the lead-up to this election. There was also controversy surrounding another AAP candidate, Atishi, who was reported to have campaigned under similar circumstances, leading to additional police scrutiny. The enforcement of the MCC has become a hot-button issue this election season, with both the police and the Election Commission facing accusations of bias based on the responses to alleged violations.
Amanatullah Khan is not new to legal challenges, as reports state he has the highest number of criminal cases among his peers. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), he has 19 criminal cases registered against him. This raises questions about the integrity of candidate selection within the AAP, and how frequently such occurrences are monitored and addressed by electoral authorities.
Critics of the enforcement of the MCC argue it has been selectively applied, often targeting AAP candidates more rigorously than their rivals. AAP leader and chief Arvind Kejriwal has publicly condemned what he sees as politically motivated actions by the Election Commission and police aimed at undermining the party’s electoral prospects. He noted on social media, "The actions by the Election Commission of India and the Delhi Police are tantamount to supporting hooliganism against AAP and protecting the BJP's wrongdoing."
The political stakes are high, with millions of voters set to cast their ballots for the 70 seats contested across Delhi. The scrutiny on Khan symbolizes wider electoral dynamics where candidates face increasing pressure to adhere to the rules governing their conduct. The incident has also invoked discussions among political analysts about the lengths to which parties may go to sway voters and how strict election laws are enforced.
With the voting taking place from 7 am to 6 pm on February 5, the true implications of Khan's actions will be debated long after the ballots are counted. The police have assured the public and electoral monitors alike of their commitment to upholding the MCC and ensuring compliance to maintain the integrity of the election process.
Overall, the incident raises substantial questions about the influence of legalities on electoral outcomes, and it serves as a reminder of the regulatory frameworks meant to guide campaign conduct. Observers will be watching closely as the situation develops, especially considering how the Election Commission responds to enforcement challenges surrounding the conduct of candidates like Amanatullah Khan.