Delhi polls: MLA alleges police barricading AAP strongholds, misdirecting voters
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has leveled allegations of voter intimidation by the Delhi Police in the ongoing Delhi Assembly elections. The party's MLA, Saurabh Bharadwaj, alleged that police were specifically targeting AAP strongholds and using barricades to prevent voters from reaching polling stations. He expressed concern over the effect of these alleged tactics on senior citizens.
Allegations
People can neither come from metro roads: Bharadwaj
Expressing frustration, he said "Malviya Nagar ACP and SHO are doing all of this openly wherever there is a stronghold of AAP. The SHO also conducted a raid on our private premises last night. 21,000 people cast their votes here." "The police are doing this in all 17-18 polling booths in Chirag Delhi. People can neither come from the metro nor on the roads to cast their votes."
Twitter Post
Bharadwaj confronts police
#WATCH | #DelhiElections2025 | AAP candidate from Greater Kailash Assembly seat, Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges Delhi Police is trying to stop people from casting their votes at a polling station in Chirag Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2025
He says "You have been standing here since morning to influence… pic.twitter.com/h2CShGrlyy
Allegations
AAP MLA accuses BJP of orchestrating police actions
Bharadwaj further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating these police actions to slow down voting. He said, "In other areas, BJP workers are running car services and e-rickshaw services for voters. The Delhi Police comes under the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre. So, the BJP doing whatever they want." The Delhi minister also claimed there were issues with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), making it difficult for voters to see poll symbols due to insufficient lighting.
Election overview
Delhi elections see high security and intense campaigning
The AAP, BJP, and Congress are contesting the Delhi Assembly elections, which commenced on Wednesday. While the AAP hopes to return to power for a third consecutive term, the BJP hopes to regain power after 27 years. The Congress is also contesting independently. Over 1.56 crore voters are eligible to vote in this election, which will determine the future governance of Delhi's 70-member assembly.