The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi has openly challenged the impartiality of the Election Commission of India (ECI) following a show-cause notice related to her allegations against the BJP. At a press conference, Atishi suggested that the ECI might be acting as a “subsidiary organisation” of the BJP, raising concerns about the commission’s role in ensuring a fair electoral process.
The controversy stems from Atishi’s claim that the BJP had offered her a choice: join the party or face arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) within a month. The ECI issued her a show-cause notice shortly after this statement was made public, leading Atishi to question the timing and motivation behind the notice. She pointed out that the notice’s details were reported in the media before she received the official email, implying prior coordination between the BJP and the ECI.
In her response, Atishi plans to remind the ECI of its duty to remain neutral and non-partisan, citing the constitutionally assigned role of the commission to safeguard democracy. She invoked the legacy of former ECI chief T.N. Seshan to emphasize the global respect for India’s electoral system and the expectations of impartiality.
The BJP has reacted sharply to Atishi’s comments, with Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accusing her of violating political norms and undermining the independence of constitutional bodies. He also critiqued the AAP’s leadership, suggesting a lack of ethical leadership compared to past political figures.
This clash highlights the tense relations between the AAP and the BJP, particularly in the context of recent actions by central agencies against opposition figures and the handling of these cases by the ECI. As the debate continues, the integrity of the electoral process and the actions of the ECI remain under intense scrutiny.
