Clash on New Delhi assembly seat, election officer’s complaint against AAP

Before the announcement of Delhi Assembly elections, the political turmoil on New Delhi seat has intensified. The District Election Officer (DEO) of New Delhi district has sent a complaint against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The complaint states that AAP representatives are repeatedly asking for information which cannot be shared. Furthermore, the officer alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Atishi called him for a meeting without any clear agenda.

What did the election officer say?

In his letter to the Chief Electoral Officer on January 4, the DEO made serious allegations against AAP. He said:

“Representatives of Aam Aadmi Party repeatedly come to my office and ask for personal information of objectors in the voter list. “As per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), sharing of such information is prohibited.”

He also alleged that Chief Minister Atishi called him for the meeting without any fixed agenda.

“The Chief Minister had earlier also asked to meet me without any clear agenda. Now he again called for discussion on the issue of voter list.”

DEOs have sought guidance on whether they should attend such meetings for which no agenda is fixed in advance.

Background of AAP’s allegations and controversy

AAP has alleged that attempts are being made to manipulate the voter list on New Delhi seat.

• Chief Minister Atishi claimed that applications have been given to add names of more than 10,000 new voters.
• He also said that applications have been received to remove the names of thousands of voters.
• AAP has raised questions about this process and expressed concern over fairness.

Election Commission’s guidelines and officer’s argument

As per the guidelines of Election Commission of India:

• Personal information regarding applications for adding or removing names from the voter list cannot be shared.
• The DEO says that AAP representatives are repeatedly asking for such information, which may lead to violation of confidentiality.

Why did political turmoil increase on New Delhi seat?

Chief Minister Atishi is the main candidate of Aam Aadmi Party on New Delhi seat. This seat has always been in the political center of Delhi.

• Both BJP and AAP are putting their full strength on this seat.
• The controversy regarding voter list has increased the heat before the elections.

What does the DEO’s letter say?

The DEO wrote in his letter:

• The repeated demands of AAP representatives are hampering the election process.
• He also raised questions about whether he should participate in meetings without agenda called by the government.