Tension flared outside the Ponda Deputy Collector’s Office after leaders and workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were involved in a confrontation with police while raising allegations of discrimination in favour of the ruling party.
According to party leaders, the protest was held to highlight what they described as unequal treatment during the ongoing election process. AAP representatives alleged that the administration and law enforcement were acting selectively and favouring the ruling party, claims they said undermined the principle of a level playing field.
The situation escalated when police intervened to control the gathering, leading to a heated exchange between officers and AAP leaders. Protesters accused the authorities of restricting their activities while allegedly allowing greater freedom to political rivals. Police personnel, meanwhile, worked to maintain order and prevent the situation from worsening.
AAP leaders demanded impartial enforcement of election rules and called upon the Election Commission and district administration to ensure that all political parties are treated equally throughout the campaign period.
The police have not officially responded to the allegations of bias. The incident has added to the political tension surrounding the Ponda by-election, where campaigning has intensified in the run-up to polling.
