NHRC Demands Action on Children’s Use in Political Campaigns
NHRC directs removal of AAP leaders’ post showing children in political campaigns, raising ethical concerns ahead of Delhi elections amidst rising political tensions
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to remove a controversial post shared by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. The post reportedly showed children participating in political campaign activities, sparking concerns over ethical and legal violations.
In its official communication, the NHRC stated that it had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue, expressing strong objections to involving children in political campaigns. The Commission underlined that this practice violates guidelines established by the Election Commission of India (ECI). NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo remarked, “The Commission has taken suo motu cognizance 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 NHRC has urged Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar to issue directives to all political parties, stressing the importance of excluding children from political activities. In a letter to the CEC, Kanoongo wrote, “The Commission requests your good office to kindly take urgent corrective measures to address the instant issue and at the same time requests to kindly consider the issuance of firm guidelines to all the Political Parties to refrain from using children in any political activities.”
The controversy erupted after a video was shared by Kejriwal and Atishi, showcasing children chanting political slogans such as “Abki baar, Kejriwal” during AAP's campaign efforts.
The NHRC’s intervention comes amid heightened political tensions between AAP and BJP over alleged voter list manipulations in Delhi. AAP has accused BJP of deleting voters in crucial constituencies, while BJP has countered with claims of illegal voter registrations by AAP. This intensifies the political landscape ahead of Delhi's February 2025 elections.
