BJP using unfair means to win elections: Arvind Kejriwal

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi CM Atishi and AAP MP Raghav Chadha (in red). PIC/PTI

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the voter list in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference alongside Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Kejriwal claimed the BJP was trying to win elections through "unfair means" after failing to present strong candidates or issues.

"BJP has already lost the elections. They don't have a chief ministerial face or even proper candidates. They only aim to win through manipulation, but we won't let them succeed," Kejriwal said. The former Delhi chief minister also alleged that the BJP had filed 11,000 voter deletion applications in one constituency alone, but the move was halted at Chief Election Commissioner's intervention. "We exposed this, and thankfully, it was stopped."

He said that a large-scale operation began on December 15, with 5,000 voter deletion applications and 7,500 additional requests filed so far in his assembly constituency, New Delhi. Kejriwal claimed this could alter 12 per cent of the constituency's votes. The total number of voters in the constituency, he said, is 106,873, as per the voter list published on October 29 after the summary revision, which was conducted between August 20 and October 20.

"Operation Lotus has now reached my constituency. They (BJP) are attempting to manipulate the electoral rolls to change the election outcome," Kejriwal alleged. "This kind of manipulation undermines democracy. We appeal to the Election Commission to continue its strict monitoring to prevent such malpractice," he said. The BJP is yet to respond to the allegations.

Manish Sisodia unveils education manifesto

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Sunday announced the education manifesto for the Jangpura constituency ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance education infrastructure, improve opportunities for the students and involve the parents and educators in shaping the children's future, said a statement. It focuses on building two fully equipped new schools in Sarai Kale Khan and Hazrat Nizamuddin along with modernising facilities in the existing schools in Feroz Shah Kotla and Hari Nagar Ashram. "The plan includes linking Delhi government schools with local municipal schools and Anganwadis, ensuring education opportunities for children aged 3 to 18," it mentioned. Further, adequate teaching staff, security measures and cleanliness will be ensured.