What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti has formally challenged the results of the recent New Delhi Lok Sabha elections, accusing the Election Commission of biased results and alleging corrupt practices by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bharti’s claims were outlined in a press release and during a press conference held at the AAP headquarters.
Bharti’s accusations focus on several key issues alleging that BJP candidate Bansuri Swaraj exceeded the ₹95 lakh election expenditure limit by ₹16 lakh. He claims the Election Commission, under BJP influence, allowed this excess to be accounted for in the BJP’s overall expenses rather than Swaraj’s campaign budget. On election day, BJP agents allegedly distributed pamphlets for Bansuri Swaraj at polling booths, a clear violation of the code of conduct.
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Despite reporting these actions, Bharti claims no action was taken by the Returning Officer. Bharti further reports that while documenting these violations, his and his colleagues’ mobile phones were confiscated by the Delhi Police, who later filed an FIR against him. The Election Commission supposedly allowed only BJP agents to accompany officers collecting votes from elderly homebound voters. Bharti alleges that Raaj Kumar Anand, a former AAP minister, was persuaded by the BJP to run as a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate to split the AAP vote.
Bharti pointed out that the BJP secured 52-53% of votes across most Delhi constituencies, while the INDIA Alliance garnered 42-43%, a uniformity he finds suspicious. He requested detailed voting information from the Election Commission, which allegedly refused to provide it, prompting his petition. Bharti criticized the Election Commission for its delayed and dismissive response to his inquiries. He suggested the Commission’s actions showed a clear bias toward the BJP, undermining the democratic process.
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In response to these alleged irregularities, Bharti has filed a petition in the High Court, seeking a thorough investigation and resolution of the issues he raised. He emphasized the significance of these allegations, noting that even a minor influence at each polling booth could significantly impact the overall results.
Bharti concluded by highlighting the broader impact of the alleged corruption, noting that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake. He urged for transparency and accountability, stressing the need for fair elections free from undue influence. The petition is set to be heard on Monday, and its outcome could have significant implications for the future of electoral integrity in New Delhi and beyond.
