Punjab BJP leader Sunil Jakhar moves election commission against Sisodia alleging incitement of corrupt, violent practices

CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Manish Sisodia, Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab in-charge, accusing him of openly advocating corrupt and violent practices to win the 2027 Assembly elections.

Jakhar demanded the registration of an FIR against Sisodia, his disqualification from future elections, and a ban on his public political speeches. In his complaint, Jakhar alleged that on the eve of Independence Day, Sisodia delivered a speech declaring that AAP would resort to “Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed, Sach, Jooth, Sawaal, Jawaab, Ladai, Jhagda” to secure electoral victory. He argued that such a declaration, particularly on a day of national significance, ridiculed the values of peace, freedom, and integrity. Jakhar contended that the terms used amounted to an admission of intent to undermine democracy: “Saam” implied misuse of persuasion and state machinery, “Daam” referred to money power and bribery, “Dand” conveyed intimidation of voters, while “Bhed” reflected communal or caste divisions. He further alleged that references to “Sach” and “Jooth” pointed to deliberate misinformation campaigns, “Sawaal” and “Jawaab” to distortion of public discourse, and “Ladai” and “Jhagda” to incitement of violence.

“These statements, in effect, constitute an open admission to adopt corrupt practices, intimidate voters, spread enmity, and disturb public order in Punjab,” Jakhar said in his memorandum, warning that they posed a threat to the state’s peace, development, and prosperity. The BJP leader asserted that the conduct fell within the definition of corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 — including bribery (Section 123(1)), undue influence (Section 123(2)), and promotion of enmity (Section 123(3A)).

He also cited offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 196, 197, and 353, alongside violations of constitutional guarantees of free and fair elections under Articles 14, 19, and 21. Urging the ECI to take “immediate cognisance,” Jakhar demanded strict action against Sisodia and the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. He further called for Sisodia’s disqualification from contesting future elections, registration of an FIR against him, and a ban on his political and public addresses, describing his statements as a “grave threat to the sanctity of elections, social unity, and the democratic fabric of India.

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