AAP urges poll panel to ensure free, fair Goa elections

New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday alleged that the government was disrupting its poll campaigning in Goa and urged the Election Commission to assure free and fair voting in the coastal state.

Spokesperson Dilip Pandey told reporters here that the government machinery was being used to harass AAP supporters in Goa as many officials were working under the influence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He listed a number of instances when AAP volunteers were allegedly harassed by state administration officials.

"AAP supporters were beaten up in Panjim and police took no action. The AAP was given a permission to hold roadside meetings but police disallowed. AAP hoardings were installed as per the rules but are being pulled apart forcibly," Pandey said.

"We request the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polls in Goa."

He said the AAP had filed a complaint with the state election commission and the administration was instructed to follow the rules but nothing has changed.

He said the party also raised the issue of elections symbols identical to AAP's 'broom' were being used in poll campaigns to mislead voters.

"Battery or torch, identical to broom, is used by some candidates. This is being done to mislead the voters ahead of the polls and such tactics had eaten into the party's vote shares in Delhi assembly polls (in 2013 and 2015)," Pandey said.

He said all those tactics proved that the BJP has already conceded its defeat.