Political tensions in Delhi escalated this week after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reignited allegations of voter fraud in the New Delhi Assembly constituency—formerly held by Arvind Kejriwal—ahead of the 2025 elections. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that thousands of voter names were deleted in a coordinated attempt to manipulate the electoral outcome. The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded swiftly, revealing that it had already addressed the concerns in a detailed 76-page reply sent to then Chief Minister Atishi on January 13, 2025.
The EC’s response, which included seven annexures, was made public hours after Bharadwaj’s press conference on September 19, where he accused the poll panel of ignoring repeated warnings and failing to investigate the alleged voter deletions. The controversy has reignited broader concerns about electoral transparency and the integrity of voter rolls in India’s capital.
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Timeline of Events: Alleged Voter Deletion in New Delhi Constituency
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | Surge in voter deletion applications in New Delhi seat |
| January 5 & 8, 2025 | Atishi writes to EC raising concerns |
| January 13, 2025 | EC sends 76-page reply to Atishi |
| August 2025 | AAP files RTI seeking investigation details |
| September 19, 2025 | EC releases copy of its January reply after AAP’s press conference |
The EC stated that the issue was “duly examined” and that senior AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, and Sanjay Singh, had met EC officials to convey their grievances.
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AAP’s Allegations: What Bharadwaj Claimed
| Allegation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Voter Deletion Volume | Over 42,000 names allegedly removed from New Delhi constituency |
| Application Surge Dates | December 16–26, 2024 saw thousands of deletion requests daily |
| Fraudulent Applications | Deletion requests filed in names of voters who denied submitting them |
| EC Inaction | No investigation initiated despite formal complaints and RTI queries |
| RTI Response | EC refused to disclose internal communications, citing lack of public interest relevance |
Bharadwaj claimed that the EC “quietly closed the file” and failed to act on what he described as an “organised racket” to loot democracy.
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EC’s Response: Key Highlights from the 76-Page Reply
| EC Statement Area | Summary |
|---|---|
| Receipt of Complaints | Acknowledged letters from Atishi dated January 5 and 8 |
| Action Taken | District Electoral Officer submitted findings to Chief Electoral Officer |
| Transparency Commitment | “Inclusive, healthy, pure and transparently prepared electoral roll is the foundation of free, fair and credible election” |
| RTI Disclosure | Refused to share internal notings and officer details, citing exemption under RTI Act |
| FIR Status | “No information available” on any criminal complaint filed |
The EC emphasized that it had responded promptly and thoroughly to AAP’s concerns, but maintained that certain details could not be disclosed publicly.
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Voter Deletion Application Surge: Breakdown by Date
| Date | Applications Filed |
|---|---|
| December 16 | 234 |
| December 17 | 298 |
| December 19 | ~700 |
| December 24 | 1,103 |
| December 25 | 982 |
| December 26 | 989 |
| Total (Dec 16–26) | ~5,000+ |
Bharadwaj highlighted that deletion applications were disproportionately concentrated in the New Delhi constituency, raising suspicions of targeted manipulation.
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Political Fallout and Reactions
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| AAP | Demands criminal investigation and public disclosure of deletion data |
| EC | Reiterates commitment to electoral integrity; refuses RTI disclosures |
| BJP | Accuses AAP of deflection and fear-mongering over SIR implementation |
| Civil Society | Calls for independent audit of voter roll changes |
| Voters | Express concern over transparency and disenfranchisement risks |
The BJP has countered AAP’s claims by suggesting that voter deletions were legitimate, citing relocation and housing redevelopment as key factors.
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Broader Context: Vote Theft Allegations Across India
| Region | Allegation |
|---|---|
| Karnataka (Aland) | Rahul Gandhi alleged mass voter deletions |
| Maharashtra (Rajura) | Congress claimed 18,000 bogus additions |
| Delhi (New Delhi) | AAP alleged 42,000 deletions in Kejriwal’s seat |
The New Delhi case adds to a growing list of voter fraud allegations across states, prompting calls for electoral reform and greater oversight.
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Conclusion: EC’s Reply Raises More Questions Than Answers
While the Election Commission has released its January reply to Atishi, the controversy surrounding voter deletions in Arvind Kejriwal’s former constituency remains far from resolved. AAP’s demand for transparency, coupled with the EC’s refusal to disclose key details under RTI, has deepened public skepticism about the integrity of the electoral process.
As Delhi prepares for future elections, the issue of voter roll manipulation is likely to remain a flashpoint. Whether the EC’s response will satisfy critics or fuel further demands for accountability is a question that looms large over India’s democratic institutions.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified political statements, and Election Commission documents. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, electoral, or political advice. All developments are subject to official investigation and judicial review.
