Just a day before the Delhi Assembly elections, a disobedience case has been filed against Atishi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Kalkaji, with allegations surrounding her refusal to vacate a public space as per election guidelines.
The case, registered at Govindpuri police station, cites Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, related to obstructing police officers in the discharge of their duties. Delhi Police stated that Atishi, accompanied by 50 to 70 supporters and 10 vehicles, was asked to vacate Fateh Singh Marg, but she allegedly defied the instruction. Authorities further revealed that the case stemmed from an incident where a supporter of Atishi slapped a police officer who was recording a video of the Chief Minister’s convoy.
Atishi quickly responded to the police action, strongly criticizing the timing and the motives behind the case. In a post on social media platform X, the AAP leader claimed that her rival, BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri’s family, had been openly violating the model code of conduct with impunity, yet no actions were taken against them. “The Election Commission is unbelievable. Ramesh Bidhuri’s family members are openly flouting the model code of conduct and there is no action. I complained to the police and the Election Commission and they registered a case against me,” she said.
AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal echoed Atishi’s sentiments, accusing Delhi Police and the Election Commission of favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kejriwal alleged that the police and EC were enabling BJP’s “hooliganism” by shielding them from action, especially in cases of distributing liquor and money during the campaign. He further added that anyone trying to stop such activities would face charges of obstructing government work.
Sources within the Delhi Police indicated that the canvassing had concluded by the time Atishi was reportedly interacting with her supporters in the Govindpuri area. It was also noted that she had engaged in an argument with the executive magistrate leading the flying squad, a team tasked with enforcing the poll code. Despite these developments, the situation remains tense with less than 24 hours until voters head to the polls in the Delhi Assembly elections.
As the political showdown intensifies, both Atishi and the AAP are vowing to fight back against what they consider a politically motivated move. The case has added a layer of controversy to the already charged atmosphere ahead of tomorrow’s elections.
Sources By Agencies