Indian Election Commission snubs Kejriwal`s disparaging remarks
The Indian Election Commission has castigated former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal for disparaging remarks against the integrity of the Election Commission. Kejriwal has publicly raised doubts on the integrity and independence of the Election Commission, hinting that the Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar may be acting to serve the agenda of the Union Government of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kejriwal maligned Kumar by suggesting a connection between Kumar`s post-retirement ambitions and his decisions. The highly charged Delhi elections are scheduled for 5th February 2025. The Election Commission summarily rejected the charge and defended itself against the allegations. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on 4th February that it has collectively noted `repeated deliberate pressure tactics` to malign the poll authority in Delhi assembly elections and that it will not be swayed by `such insinuations.`
The poll panel`s remarks were Tweeted on X. It was apparent that CEF Rajiv Kumar did not hold back after being alleged by Kejriwal of being greedy about post-retirement appointment. The poll panel didn`t, however, name any political leader. Several AAP leaders and Kejriwal claim that the ECI has ignored the Bharatiya Janata Party`s alleged violations of the model code of conduct (MCC) in Delhi assembly polls. It may be noted that CEF Kumar will conclude his term on February 18 on attaining the age of 65 years. Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu are the other election commissioners.