Kejriwal questions Gujarat Police in his security cover as EC cites poll duty norms

On Thursday, the Election Commission (EC) and Delhi Police directed the removal of Punjab Police from Kejriwal's security cover, citing that involving personnel from two different states was against the law.

Sources in the Delhi Police emphasised that the arrangement violated established security protocols.

On Saturday, Kejriwal expressed his discontent through X, sharing screenshots of a Gujarat Police order regarding the deployment.

“Read this order of Gujarat Police. The Election Commission has removed Punjab Police from Delhi and deployed Gujarat Police. What is going on?” he wrote.

In response, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi clarified that the deployment followed an EC order and criticised Kejriwal for selectively mentioning Gujarat.

“I’m surprised you’re not aware of the Election Commission’s norms. They’ve requested forces from various states, not just Gujarat. As per their request, eight companies of SRP from Gujarat were sent to Delhi for the scheduled election on January 11. Why the selective mention of Gujarat, Kejriwal ji?” Sanghvi said, reported India Today.

The EC routinely seeks forces from various states during elections to maintain law and order.

Requests are made to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which coordinates the deployment of armed police personnel under the poll panel’s supervision.

For the Delhi elections, 250 police companies were sought, but only 220 were provided, with personnel assigned to tasks like area domination, interstate border checks, and securing polling stations, the report said, citing sources.

BJP leaders criticised Kejriwal’s remarks, alleging they stemmed from fear of losing the Delhi elections.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said Kejriwal should familiarise himself with the standard EC protocols for security arrangements during polls, said the report.

On Friday, Delhi Police sources revealed that the deployment of more than 10-12 armed personnel from Punjab Police for Kejriwal’s security in recent days violated the "Yellow Book," a security protocol.

Sources added that security responsibility must rest with the local police where the individual resides, as any incident would legally implicate Delhi Police, the report added.

The use of external forces for security, they argued, could lead to accountability issues in the event of an incident.