Atishi’s Election Win Faces Legal Challenge in Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice on a plea challenging Atishi’s election from the Kalkaji constituency. The petition accuses the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader of corrupt practices, misuse of public resources, and exploiting her position as the chief minister for electoral gain. Atishi won the February election by over 3,500 votes, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, even as AAP lost power and top leaders faced defeats.
Justice Jyoti Singh’s bench sought responses from Atishi, the Delhi Police, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) and scheduled the next hearing for July 30. The court also directed the police and ECI to preserve all records related to the case.
Petitioners Kamaljit Singh Duggal and Ayush Rana alleged that Atishi violated the Representation of the People Act and the Model Code of Conduct. They claimed she misused official vehicles for campaigning and involved government officials to boost her chances.
The plea also accuses Atishi’s associates in the chief minister’s office of buying votes on her behalf. It alleges that AAP workers, with her approval, circulated fake videos accusing Bidhuri of hooliganism and arranged free transportation for voters. The petition further claims Atishi failed to disclose certain criminal cases in her election affidavit.
The ECI and Delhi Police objected to their inclusion in the petition but agreed to respond. The court allowed them to challenge their involvement during the hearing.
The petition seeks to nullify Atishi’s election, arguing her campaign relied on illegal practices and public resources. The case adds another legal challenge for AAP as it faces political setbacks.
