Alleged Poll Code Violation: The Case Against AAP’s Amanatullah Khan
Amanatullah Khan Faces Case for Violating Model Code of Conduct
A case has been registered against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) before the Delhi assembly elections. The incumbent MLA from the Okhla seat was seen campaigning with more than 100 supporters in Zakir Nagar Tuesday night, leading to the filing of the case.
Violations of the Law
The case against Mr. Khan was registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with the punishment for disobeying orders given by public servants, and Section 126 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits public meetings during a period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll. Mr. Khan is among the candidates with the highest number of criminal cases.
Other AAP Members Facing Cases
Apart from Amanatullah Khan, cases have also been registered against other AAP members. MLA Dinesh Mohaniya is accused of giving a flying kiss to a BJP woman worker, while AAP colleague Ajay Dutt’s family members have been accused of assaulting a BJP woman worker. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also faced a case for MCC violations in Kalkaji.
Allegations and Responses
Police reported that senior AAP leader Atishi was accompanying party supporters who allegedly interfered with an officer’s work at Fateh Singh Marg. Additionally, a case was filed against two AAP members for assaulting a police constable on duty. Atishi criticized the Election Commission for the police case against her, claiming that her BJP rival Ramesh Bidhuri and his family members were openly engaging in “hooliganism” without facing consequences.
Delhi Assembly Elections
The Delhi assembly elections are crucial for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, with the ruling party aiming for a hat-trick victory. The triangular contest includes the ruling AAP, BJP, and the Congress. AAP has won the last two assembly elections but has faced corruption allegations related to a now-scrapped liquor policy. The BJP is determined to reclaim the national capital after more than 25 years, with support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years before 2013, is also hopeful for a comeback in the elections.