The Election Commission has censured Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for asking people in poll-bound Goa to demand Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000 from BJP candidates seeking votes.
The poll panel noted that Kejriwal’s comment fell “within the ambit of abetment of offence of bribery as defined in Section 171 B of the Indian Penal Code”, and thus violated the model code of conduct.
Kejriwal made the controversial remark while seeking votes for his party’s candidates in a rally at Mapusa on January 8.
Call for demand
He called upon voters to demand Rs 10,000 in new currency notes from BJP workers.The Congress drew the commission’s attention to the controversial remark made by the AAP national convener.
The poll panel had served him a notice on January 16, and sought a reply by January 19.The commission rejected Kejriwal’s argument that since he had not offered bribes to any voters, it should not be construed as violation of the model code of conduct.
The commission not only censured him, but also warned that future violations may result in “stern actions”, including derecognition of the AAP under Para 16 A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
DH News Service
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