New Delhi, February 5, 2025 — The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan and several party workers for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the ongoing election campaign. The FIR was lodged after Khan and his associates were reportedly found campaigning in the early hours, around 1 AM, which is beyond the permissible time for electioneering activities.
Alleged Violation Details
According to a senior police officer, the incident occurred when Khan and a group of AAP members were conducting a door-to-door campaign in a residential area past midnight. The MCC, enforced by the Election Commission of India (ECI), restricts campaign activities during certain hours to prevent public disturbance and ensure fair electoral practices. Campaigning beyond the stipulated hours is considered a breach of these guidelines.
Officials stated that after receiving complaints from residents about loud slogans and disturbances, the police intervened and warned the campaigners. However, despite repeated warnings, they allegedly continued canvassing, leading to legal action. The FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, which govern election-related offenses.
Political Reactions
The filing of the FIR has sparked a political controversy. AAP leaders have condemned the move, calling it a deliberate attempt to harass their party members. Delhi Chief Minister and AAP’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Delhi Police were acting under pressure from the central government, which he claimed was misusing agencies to target opposition leaders.
Amanatullah Khan, who represents the Okhla constituency, responded to the allegations, stating that his campaign was conducted peacefully and within democratic rights. He accused the authorities of selectively targeting AAP while ignoring similar violations by other parties. “This is nothing but political vendetta. The BJP is scared of losing and is using the police to intimidate us,” Khan said in a statement.
On the other hand, BJP leaders welcomed the action, arguing that no one should be above the law. A senior BJP spokesperson remarked that the MCC applies to all parties equally and that violations must be dealt with strictly to ensure a free and fair election.
Election Commission’s Stand
The Election Commission has taken note of the incident and is reportedly reviewing the situation. Officials have reiterated that all political parties must adhere to the guidelines, and any violations will be dealt with as per the law. The MCC is designed to maintain order and fairness in elections, and enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure compliance.
The ECI has also urged all candidates and their supporters to campaign responsibly, respecting the rights of residents and following the prescribed rules. With elections approaching, the commission has increased surveillance and monitoring to prevent any violations that could influence the electoral process.
Impact on AAP’s Campaign
The FIR against Amanatullah Khan comes at a crucial time for AAP, as the party is engaged in a high-stakes electoral battle in Delhi. The party has built its campaign on governance issues, including education, healthcare, and public welfare, while also facing strong opposition from the BJP and Congress.
Political analysts believe that such legal actions could impact voter perception. While AAP’s core supporters may see this as an attack on their leadership, others may view it as a sign of non-compliance with election laws. The party’s response and the way it handles this situation in the coming days could influence its campaign momentum.
As the election draws closer, the political atmosphere in Delhi remains charged, with parties clashing over various issues. The FIR against Amanatullah Khan has added another layer of tension to an already heated campaign, setting the stage for more political battles in the coming weeks.