Short Description
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi responds to Arvind Kejriwal’s concerns over police deployment in Delhi, clarifying the Election Commission’s standard procedures for state police involvement in elections.
Read Time
3 Minutes, 12 Seconds
Main Article
In a recent political exchange, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi addressed concerns raised by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding the deployment of Gujarat police personnel for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. This statement follows the Election Commission’s decision to withdraw Punjab police personnel from handling Kejriwal’s security a few days earlier. Sanghavi emphasized that involving police from other states during elections is a routine practice mandated by the Election Commission (EC), challenging Kejriwal’s selective focus on Gujarat.
Sanghavi highlighted that the Election Commission had solicited assistance from various states, making it clear that the deployment of forces from Gujarat was part of a larger effort. In his defense, he cited the EC’s protocol, which required the advance deployment of 70 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) along with an additional 75 companies of state armed police for the elections scheduled for January 11, 2025. The breakdown of these additional companies includes contributions from multiple states, including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, showcasing a collaborative approach to ensure a free and fair electoral process in Delhi.
Furthermore, BJP leader Amit Malviya reinforced Sanghavi’s statement, asserting that mobilizing forces from twelve different states and Union Territories is standard procedure for electoral security. Malviya pointed out that the withdrawal of Punjab police serves not as a removal from election duties but reportedly pertains to the personal security of Kejriwal. According to established guidelines for VIP security, local state or Union Territory police typically handle the security for state-protected individuals, indicating a comprehensive approach to public safety and management during elections.
The strategic collaboration between states underlines the importance of maintaining order throughout the election period. Actively involving police personnel from diverse regions enhances not only the security framework but also builds a sense of confidence among voters. The deployment of over 14,500 personnel sets a precedent for large-scale coordination across state lines, emphasizing the critical nature of maintaining a safe and democratic environment during the electoral process.
Short Summary
Gujarat’s Harsh Sanghavi strongly defended the routine deployment of state police during elections, countering Kejriwal’s concerns about security measures in Delhi. The collaboration of forces from multiple states bolsters electoral safety and reflects the Election Commission’s established practices for free and fair elections.
