In New Delhi, a delegation comprising senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convened with the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday. Their purpose? To address the EC’s request for modifications to the party’s campaign song, “Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se Denge.” Despite the party’s initial claim of a ban on the song, officials from the Delhi poll body clarified that modifications were necessary due to violations of EC guidelines and advertising codes.
Among the AAP delegation were notable figures such as Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, alongside national secretary Pankaj Gupta and senior leader Dilip Pandey. Following their discussion with the EC, Bharadwaj emphasized their objection to numerous BJP-sponsored hoardings across Delhi, depicting opposition figures, particularly AAP’s national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in an unfavorable light.
Regarding the contentious campaign song, Bharadwaj reiterated to the EC that there were no objectionable elements within it, providing a comprehensive explanation in defense of the song’s content. Atishi voiced her dissatisfaction with the delay in securing an audience with the EC, alleging persistent attempts by the AAP since March 22 to address various issues.
Highlighting perceived discrepancies in the EC’s actions, Atishi criticized the prompt response to BJP complaints while neglecting AAP’s grievances. She pointed out instances where immediate action was taken against the AAP, contrasting with perceived inaction during critical moments such as Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.
Responding to AAP’s accusations, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva expressed dismay at the party’s attempt to discredit the EC. Sachdeva highlighted the discrepancy between AAP’s pre-meeting announcement regarding objections to their campaign song and their subsequent focus on BJP hoardings during the meeting, questioning their silence on the contentious song during discussions with election commissioners.
