The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the social media platform X to remove posts shared by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, which depicted children participating in political campaign activities. The NHRC emphasised that such content violated the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In a letter, NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo informed that the Commission had taken cognisance of the matter under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. "The participation of children in political campaign activities raises serious concerns, as it violates the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India," the letter stated.

The NHRC urged Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar to take immediate corrective action in response to the issue. Additionally, the Commission called for clear and firm instructions to be issued to all political parties, directing them to refrain from involving children in any political activities.

"The Commission requests your good office to kindly take urgent corrective measures and issue firm guidelines to political parties," Kanoongo emphasised.

“The directive followed a video shared by Kejriwal and Atishi, in which children are seen chanting, "Abki baar, Kejriwal," as part of the AAP's campaign.

The NHRC's action comes amid a highly charged political battle between the AAP and BJP in Delhi. On Monday, Delhi's Chief Electoral Office disclosed that it had received 4.8 lakh applications for new voter registrations and 82,450 requests for deletions since November 29. The final electoral roll is set to be published on January 6, 2025.

The AAP has accused the BJP of orchestrating widespread voter deletions in constituencies where they believe the party is at risk of losing. In turn, the BJP has alleged that the AAP is facilitating illegal voter registrations, particularly for Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants. AAP MP Sanjay Singh further claimed that the BJP attempted to remove his wife’s name from the voter list, accusing the party of political vendetta. The BJP responded by asserting that Singh’s wife is registered as a voter in Uttar Pradesh, rendering her Delhi registration invalid.