AAP Alleges Election Commission Team Conducts Search at Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Residence in Delhi; EC Denies

On Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that a team of Election Commission (EC) officials visited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Kapurthala House residence in Delhi to search. The party asserted in an official statement, suggesting that the EC team was at Mann’s residence for investigative purposes.

This allegation follows a recent incident where the Delhi Police seized a private vehicle, adorned with a “Punjab government” sticker and registered in the state, near Punjab Bhawan. The vehicle was reportedly filled with liquor, cash, and election-related materials associated with AAP. Following the discovery, Delhi Police registered a case and began investigations.

Election Commission Responds to AAP’s Claim

In response to AAP’s accusation, the Election Commission denied conducting any search or raid at Bhagwant Mann’s residence. An EC official clarified that the poll panel does not engage in such activities.

“Neither does the EC conduct any raids nor does it interfere in investigations. The Flying Squad Team (FST) acted based on a complaint received through the C-Vigil app, a platform that allows the public to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In this case, an action was initiated following a complaint regarding money distribution,” the official said.

The EC official further emphasized that the complaint was related to allegations of money distribution, which required prompt attention. The team’s presence at Mann’s residence was due to the need for a quick resolution of the issue within the stipulated time frame.

Kejriwal Accuses Congress of Collusion with BJP

In the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal fiercely criticized Congress, accusing the party of working in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to prevent AAP from winning.

In a video message, Kejriwal said, “Congress is not contesting elections in Delhi to win, but they are collaborating with the BJP to ensure AAP loses.”

Kejriwal appealed to Congress supporters to vote for AAP, pointing out that Congress leaders seldom speak out against BJP but frequently target AAP. He warned that if the BJP were to take power, they might reverse the welfare programs initiated by the AAP government in Delhi.