Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned the deployment of Gujarat Police in the National Capital Territory ahead of the February 5 Assembly elections. However, top sources from Delhi Police have clarified the situation, stating that the deployment is routine and part of the Election Commission’s measures to ensure law and order during polls.
Clarification from Delhi Police
Delhi Police sources explained that 220 companies of central security personnel, including CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, CISF, and RPF, were brought into Delhi. Additionally, 70 companies from state police forces, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh, were deployed in three phases. Among these, seven to eight companies from Gujarat Police were included.
The deployment follows a request for 250 companies to handle poll-related law and order tasks such as flying squads, interstate border checks, area dominance, security at polling stations, and quick response teams. Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh Police are also expected to contribute personnel, with ongoing responsibilities in their states, such as farmers’ protests and the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Kejriwal’s Concern and Gujarat’s Response
Mr. Kejriwal criticized the deployment of eight companies of Gujarat’s State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), claiming it was unusual. However, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi dismissed these claims, calling Kejriwal’s statements misleading.
“Election Commission norms dictate such deployments from various states during polls, and Gujarat’s SRPF was sent as part of this process,” Sanghavi stated, adding, “Why single out Gujarat, Mr. Kejriwal?”
Punjab Police clarified that the withdrawal of their personnel from Kejriwal’s security was directed by the Delhi Police and the Election Commission.
Election Preparations in Delhi
Polling for all 70 Assembly seats in Delhi will take place on February 5, with counting scheduled for February 8. Security arrangements aim to ensure peaceful and fair elections in the national capital.
