MCC Violations: 6,371 Arrested, 155 Cases Filed Ahead of Delhi Polls

A total of 155 cases have been registered for violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the February 5 assembly polls in Delhi, officials reported on Tuesday.

As of January 13, Delhi Police have arrested 6,371 individuals under preventive action provisions and the Excise Act. According to officials, 105 unlicensed firearms and 78 cartridges were seized after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the election date. Additionally, 16,315.82 litres of liquor were confiscated during this period.

Police have also seized 57.55 kg of drugs valued at ₹12 crore and cash amounting to ₹1,02,69,200.

“To ensure free, fair and peaceful Legislative Assembly Elections in Delhi, the Delhi Police is ensuring effective and strict implementation of the Election Commission of India’s guidelines and is adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards any violation concerning the model code of conduct,” an official release stated.

“Delhi Police has taken a number of measures, including increased vigilance on interstate border checkpoints and a crackdown on illegal activities with special insistence to curb illegal arms and liquor smuggling,” it added.

Following the announcement of election dates in Delhi on January 7, the MCC has come into effect in the national capital and will remain in force until the election process concludes.

The Delhi assembly polls will be conducted in a single phase on February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17, followed by scrutiny on January 18 and the withdrawal of candidature by January 20.

The election is expected to feature a three-way contest between the ruling AAP, the BJP, and the Congress. The Congress, which governed Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced significant setbacks in the past two assembly elections, failing to secure any seats. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP claimed eight seats.