Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday criticised the Delhi Police and also hit out at the Election Commission (EC) over an alleged incident of police manhandling of some journalists who came from Chandigarh to cover the February 5 elections.
Earlier, the Press Club of India (PCI) condemned the Delhi Police’s action against journalists, who had come from Chandigarh, to cover the Delhi Assembly elections.
“As per their complaints, the Delhi Police personnel misbehaved with them in the national capital while they were reporting. Harassing and intimidating the journalists has become a daily phenomenon across the country. In this regard, we urge the Delhi Election Commission and the Election Commission of India to intervene and ensure hassle-free and smooth coverage of the elections,” Press Club of India wrote on X.
The PCI also demanded a thorough enquiry into the matter.
Reacting to the Press Club of India’s X post, an investigative journalist, Saurav Das said: “So much hooliganism in the country’s capital during elections—one can only imagine the state of affairs in other states. The systematic dismantling of the Election Commission has been the biggest assault on India’s democracy.”
Responding to Saurav Das’ post, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, said, “Election Commission ceases to exist in India anymore.”
Delhi is witnessing a triangular contest between the AAP, BJP and Congress. High-decibel campaigning saw all three parties pulling out all stops to woo the electorate.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly will go to polls on February 5 and counting of votes will be taken up on February 8.
