Hours after the EC asked the Delhi Police to investigate "misleading" calls over electoral rolls of the city on Sunday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Election Commission has been turned into a BJP office, triggering a blame game between the AAP and the saffron party.
Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari demanded cancellation of AAP's recognition alleging that its volunteers were calling people telling them that their names have been deleted from the voters' list and the party convener is getting them added again.
Kejriwal tweeted, "Ur ECs shud resign for converting EC into BJP office. Shameful Modi ji has subverted every institution. We will not allow BJP to succeed in its conspiracies(sic)."
He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him not to involve the EC and the police in "wrong, dirty" acts, and said the country is much more significant than any party or individual.
Tiwari accused the AAP of "misleading" people and trying to create "unrest" in the society.
"Serious offence by a political party, who does not respect the constitution of India...recognition of @AamAadmiParty should be cancelled for misleading citizens and trying to create unrest in the society @DelhiPolice must register Multiple FIRs and culprits should be penalised(sic)," he Tweeted.
The Election Commission Sunday asked the Delhi Police to take "necessary action" against people making "misleading" phone calls to people about the city's electoral rolls.
On Saturday, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had cautioned people about such calls claiming deletion of their names from electoral rolls.
The poll official had made it clear that no one but the electoral registration officer can add or remove names from electoral rolls.
Now, the CEO has asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to investigate the matter to ascertain the correct position.
"...Various written complaints received in this regard are being enclosed herewith. Prima facie, it appears that the matter needs to be thoroughly investigated in order that the factual correctness of the averments made in the aforementioned complaints are ascertained and necessary action under relevant extant laws is taken," the complaint to the police said.
The CEO's statement on Saturday came a day after a BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been making such phone calls.
The statement from the poll panel drew sharp reaction from Kejriwal, who said the Election Commission "must not be allowed to become agent of a political party".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)