EC issues notice to Kejriwal over his remarks against BJP's Satish Upadhyay - Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday issued a notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal seeking his comments on Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay's complaint that the former had, at recent press conference, levelled "baseless and unverified" allegations of corruption against him. The notice also faulted Kejriwal for charging the BJP with trying to incite communal violence in Delhi, stating that the Commission prima facie viewed this as a violation of the model code of conduct.

Upadhyay had approached the EC on January 14 against Kejriwal's charges at a press meet on January 12 that he and Delhi BJP general secretary Ashish Sood were part of a company that supplied electricity meters to power discoms in Delhi. He had alleged that Upadhyay and Sood were hand in glove with the discoms in supply of faulty meters.

READ ALSO: Kejriwal vs Satish Upadhyay: Delhi BJP chief lodges complaint with EC

Upadhyay, in his complaint to the Commission, pleaded that the allegations were false, unverified and baseless and aimed at vitiating the poll process.

READ ALSO: Kejriwal vs Satish Upadhyay: Delhi BJP chief lodges complaint with EC

EC, while stating that it had received a report from the chief electoral officer and viewed the CD of Kejriwal's press conference, has now asked for AAP chief's comments on Upadhyay's complaint by 3 pm on January 20. The poll panel will examine Kerjiwal's comments for possible violation of sub-para (2) of Para I of the model code of conduct, which states that criticism of parties shall be confined to their policies and programmes and not extend to aspects of private life of party leaders or candidates, not connected with their public activities.

As regards Upadhyay's allegation that Kejriwal had, during the press conference, also charged the BJP with inciting communal tension, the EC has prima facie found them to be in violation of sub-para (1) of the Para I of the model code. This provision restrains party or candidates from indulging in activities that may aggravate communal differences or create mutual hatred.

READ ALSO: Upadhyay to file defamation case against Kejriwal

Kejriwal had alleged at the January 12 event that the BJP was trying to play the communal card in Delhi by instigating tension and violence in Trilokpuri and Nandnagri, besides trying the same in Nangloi and Bawana. He also sought to link BJP to attacks on churches in the city. The EC notice on Saturday asked Kejriwal why action should not be taken against him for poll code violation, and stated that if he failed to respond by 3 pm on January 20, the EC "shall take a decision without further reference to you".

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