Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG), VK Saxena, has instructed the city’s police commissioner to investigate allegations of surveillance made by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit.
The LG has asked for a detailed report on the matter within three days. Dikshit, a former Member of Parliament and a potential candidate for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, claimed that Intelligence personnel from the Punjab government had been repeatedly visiting his residence and parking their vehicles outside his house.
The allegations, according to an official statement from the LG’s office, relate to a representation received from Dikshit.
The Congress leader expressed concerns that the surveillance activities were part of an orchestrated effort by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership, specifically Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to intimidate him.
Dikshit suggested that the purpose of the visits was to discourage him from contesting in the upcoming Delhi elections.
In response, the LG underscored the gravity of the allegations and emphasised the importance of maintaining a free and fair election process.
Saxena noted that candidates must not face any form of intimidation or coercion during the democratic process, especially with the Delhi Assembly elections on the horizon. Ensuring such fairness is crucial for the integrity of the election process, the LG’s office stated.
Sandeep Dikshit, who is expected to face off against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency, had met with the Lieutenant Governor earlier in the week to discuss his concerns.
The Congress leader has also called on the Delhi LG to order an investigation into what he referred to as a fraudulent scheme related to the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana,’ involving AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi. Dikshit has accused them of orchestrating a scheme designed to mislead the public.
In light of the allegations, the LG’s office has acted swiftly to ensure that the police take immediate action to investigate and report back within a tight three-day deadline.
The investigation is expected to look into the allegations thoroughly, and the outcome will likely impact the political atmosphere in the run-up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
As the elections draw closer, the need for a neutral and transparent electoral environment becomes increasingly critical.
The actions taken by the Lieutenant Governor are a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that all candidates can compete fairly, without undue interference or pressure.
Sandeep Dikshit’s claims have raised questions about the role of the Punjab government’s Intelligence personnel in Delhi’s political landscape, adding another layer of complexity to the already intense political rivalry between the AAP and Congress.
With the Delhi Assembly elections expected to take place early next year, the investigation into these allegations could have significant implications for both Dikshit’s candidacy and the broader political climate in the capital.