New Delhi, February 5, 2025 – Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused the Delhi Police of setting up barricades 200 meters away from polling stations in areas that are considered strongholds of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Bharadwaj raised concerns over the potential difficulties faced by voters, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, in accessing polling booths.
In a post on social media platform X, Bharadwaj specifically highlighted the situation at the Chirag Delhi polling station, where he claimed no vehicles, including bikes, scooters, or cars, were allowed within a 200-meter radius. He expressed his concern, questioning, “How will people vote? Will old and handicapped individuals be expected to walk 200 meters to vote?”
Bharadwaj further called on both the Election Commission of India and the Delhi Police to clarify under which law or regulation these barricades were being placed. His post fueled controversy as the timing of the barricades, which were implemented in key constituencies dominated by AAP, raised suspicions of political manipulation.
In response, Delhi Police clarified that there were exceptions for the elderly and disabled voters. Ankit Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in South Delhi, explained that these individuals could bring their cars inside the barricade to vote. “This rule is being implemented at all polling stations across the city,” Chauhan told ANI. “We will investigate the specific polling stations raised by Saurabh Bharadwaj.”
As voting began for the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, 2025, the issue of accessibility at polling stations quickly became a talking point. With around 1.56 crore eligible voters across Delhi, the election remains a highly contested race between AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP is vying for a third consecutive term in power, while BJP aims to reclaim the capital after more than 25 years. Congress, which once ruled Delhi for 15 years, is seeking a revival after failing to secure any seats in the previous two elections.
The controversy over barricades is just one aspect of the ongoing election drama. Early voting saw prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Union Ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, casting their ballots. AAP leaders, such as Saurabh Bharadwaj, also voted promptly at 7 am on the election day.
As the election progresses, questions of fairness and accessibility remain in the spotlight. Bharadwaj’s accusations add to the mounting tension as political parties strive to win over Delhi’s voters, with every issue potentially swaying the outcome in this high-stakes battle.
