
Delhi Elections: AAP vs BJP Battle Takes a Dark Turn as Punjab Journalists Face Illegal Detention
- Breaking NewsHEADLINESPUNJAB
- February 2, 2025
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Chandigarh, February 2, 2025 – The ongoing political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi took an alarming turn as journalists from Punjab covering the election were illegally detained by the Delhi Police. The Press Gallery Committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has strongly condemned the incident, calling it an attack on press freedom and a violation of democratic principles.
The shocking incident took place in New Delhi when journalists from Punjab were documenting the election process and uncovered alleged malpractices. Reports suggest that certain political operatives were seen distributing liquor and other inducements to sway voters, a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct. As the journalists began covering the incident, they were allegedly confronted and harassed by these elements, who objected to their reporting.
Seeking justice, the Punjab journalists alerted the Delhi Police, expecting action against the wrongdoers. However, in a disturbing turn of events, instead of addressing the malpractice, the police detained the journalists, including a member of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee. Despite carrying valid identification, they were held at the Tughlaq Road police station for over eight hours before being released, only after news of their detention spread through media circles.
The Press Gallery Committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has taken serious note of the incident, calling it a direct assault on press freedom. Chairman Ashwani Chawla has formally lodged a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner, demanding strict action against the erring police officials and seeking assurances that such undemocratic incidents do not recur. He emphasized that the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy must be upheld, and any attempt to suppress journalists from performing their duty is unacceptable.
The Chandigarh Press Club has also condemned the illegal detention, expressing solidarity with the affected journalists. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, raising concerns about press freedom and the integrity of the electoral process in Delhi.
As the AAP-BJP battle intensifies ahead of the elections, the unlawful detention of journalists has become a focal point, fueling debates about political interference and the role of law enforcement. With demands for accountability growing louder, all eyes are now on the Election Commission to ensure press freedom is upheld and that necessary action is taken against those responsible for this blatant misuse of power.
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