New Delhi: The political climate surrounding the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections has grown increasingly tense, with accusations of corruption and election manipulation flying between major political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, during the final days of campaigning.
BJP leader Parvesh Verma made sensational claims on Thursday, alleging, "Liquor and money are being brought from Punjab and distributed in New Delhi," asserting it was part of AAP's strategy to win the elections through unfair practices. He mentioned the seizure of 8 lakh rupees and liquor bottles from a vehicle with Punjab registration, claiming it exemplifies the illegal influx of resources aimed at influencing voters.
Verma didn't stop there; he alleged, "Hundreds of vehicles with Punjab govt stickers are roaming around..." This suggests AAP is engaging in ‘intimidation and deception’, according to Verma, who is contesting the elections from the New Delhi constituency. He argued, "If the people of Delhi truly supported AAP, why would they need to bring in goons from Punjab?" He has urged both the Delhi Police and the Election Commission to intervene and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Echoing these sentiments, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been keeping Kejriwal under scrutiny following his inflammatory remarks about the Haryana government allegedly poisoning the Yamuna River, which he claimed was aimed at causing widespread harm to the citizens of Delhi. The EC on Thursday informed Kejriwal of its findings which indicated his comments could incite disharmony and unrest, and demanded factual clarification by 11 AM on Friday. The Commission stated it had found his remarks to carry risks of provoking public disorder, "promoting disharmony and enmity between different groups."
Defiant as ever, Kejriwal responded to the EC's demands with fury. “I want to tell Rajiv Kumarji, history will not forgive you. The amount of damage you have done to the EC...I know they will put me in jail.” His statement sharply criticized the integrity of the Commission, claiming the EC's actions were unprecedented and derogatory to the electoral process. Kejriwal even taunted the Chief Election Commissioner to join the fray and contest as a candidate rather than engage politically as a part of the EC.
The Election Commission has stated it could take serious measures, which may include filing a criminal FIR against Kejriwal for his unsubstantiated claims, which have broader legal repercussions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. His assertions are viewed by the Commission as violations of the model code of conduct, which prohibits provocations leading to tensions during the campaign.
To add to the controversies, BJP's Anurag Thakur has accused the AAP of corruption, leveraging findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. Thakur commented, "From the 'sheesh mahal' to the liquor scam, all its (AAP's) corrupt activities have been highlighted..." These statements reflect the BJP's stance of portraying AAP as untrustworthy and incapable of governance.
With only days left until voters head to the polls, the stakes could not be higher for both parties. Each contender must navigate the treacherous waters of public sentiment influenced by these allegations. The accusations of bribery, corruption, and misconduct from both sides are setting the stage for what many are calling the most contentious elections yet. It’s more than just policy; it’s about the public’s trust and the very nature of their representation. The people of Delhi will soon decide which party they believe deserves their vote before the upcoming elections on February 5, 2025.