New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for early assembly elections in Delhi, suggesting that they be held in November alongside Maharashtra. Experts, however, pointed out that while the city government could request early polls by writing to the Election Commission (EC), the final decision rests with the poll panel.
The Delhi Assembly’s current term is set to end on February 23 next year, with elections expected around early February. Kejriwal’s demand comes after his recent release from jail following his involvement in the excise policy scam case.
Legal experts familiar with the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act noted that while the EC could legally conduct simultaneous polls in Delhi and Maharashtra, past precedents show the elections in Delhi have typically been held separately. One expert mentioned that the EC would need a solid reason to synchronize the two elections.
Additionally, the Delhi electoral rolls are set to be updated in January, allowing newly-registered voters to participate. This might influence the EC’s decision to stick to the planned election timeline.
Speaking to AAP workers, Kejriwal demanded the polls be advanced to November and pledged not to return to the CM’s office until receiving public support, stating he would resign and seek a “certificate of honesty” from the people before reclaiming his role.
