Poll panel notice to AAP chief Kejriwal for 'treachery' remark - Hindustan Times

Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged “any vote cast in favour of Congress or BJP would be treachery against God and country” comment has drawn the election commission’s displeasure. The poll body Sunday issued a notice to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief for breaching the model code of conduct.

The EC has given the former Delhi chief minister time till the evening of May 13 to explain his stand. Failing this, the commission will take a decision without further communication with him, as the agency noted that the activist-turned-politician had ‘prima facie’ violated the election code.

Addressing a public meeting on May 2 in Gandhi family bastion Amethi, where AAP’s Kumar Vishwas is in the fray, Kejriwal had reportedly said, “Agar ek bhi vote Congress ya BJP ko pada toh khuda ke saath, desh ke saath gaddari karoge (If anyone votes for Congress or BJP, he will commit treachery against God and country).”

Providing the Varanasi Lok Sabha contestant with a copy of the CD containing his reported remarks, the commission reminded him of the provisions of the model code that there should be no appeal to caste or communal sentiments for securing votes, and also prompted him on section 171C of lndian Penal Code dealing with any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere by any person with the free exercise of any electoral right.