Poll body officials conduct search at Punjab CM's Delhi residence
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann by searching his Delhi residence. The party alleges that the move is biased, with authorities ignoring violations of the model code of conduct by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). ANI, citing ECI sources, said that no raid was conducted, but videos shared on social media show the officials at the gate of the residence.
Twitter Post
Visuals from the Kapurthala House
पंजाब सीएम का निवास स्थान दिल्ली में ...
— 🇮🇳PULKIT NAGAR (@nagar_pulkit) January 30, 2025
कपूरथला हाउस...
चुनाव आयोग की टीम पहुँची ...#AAP #Delhi #DelhiElection2025 #DelhiElections2025 pic.twitter.com/KuOxiy0ZBi
Criticism voiced
Delhi CM criticizes search operation at Mann's residence
The alleged raid came after the BJP accused AAP members of bringing campaign materials and potentially threatening elements from Punjab to Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also took to social media to condemn the search at Mann's home. She posted on X, "Delhi Police has reached to raid Bhagwant Mann ji's house in Delhi. BJP is distributing money, shoes, sheets in broad daylight - that is not visible."
Security fears
BJP raises security concerns over AAP's alleged actions
The BJP had sounded alarm bells over what it believes was a possible security threat in Delhi with AAP supporters arriving from Punjab. BJP candidate Parvesh Verma had expressed his concerns saying, "Thousands of people of AAP have come from Punjab. They do not campaign for elections. They have entered mohallas." Verma also demanded an investigation into vehicles with Punjab government markings and complained to Delhi Police and ECI.
Vehicle seizure
Suspicious vehicle seized near Punjab Bhavan
The Tilak Marg police station had also said they found a suspicious vehicle with a 'PB' registration number and 'Punjab sarkar' written on it near Punjab Bhavan. The vehicle was found to have AAP pamphlets, liquor bottles, and cash worth lakhs. Following the findings, the Punjab government issued a clarification saying the number plate on the seized vehicle was "forged and fake," denying any connection to the state government.