The Delhi State Election Commission (DSEC) has asked the government to take action on a complaint by the BJP that the word ‘aam aadmi’ in the name of government facilities like the Aam Aadmi mohalla clinics was in violation of the model code of conduct.
A delegation of the BJP, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, had raised concerns about the use of the words “aam aadmi” in the names of Delhi government services and schemes.
This, they said, was in violation of the model code of conduct in place for the municipal elections on April 23, particularly provisions to prevent the party in power from misusing its office.
Acting on the compaint, the DSEC has written to the Chief Secretary and the commissioners of the municipal corporations to take “appropriate action” in the matter and submit a compliance report within 48 hours. As per the letter, the word “aam” was singled out incorrectly.
‘Aam’ or ‘aam aadmi’?
“It was an inadvertent error. We meant to say aam aadmi. A correction will be issued. The Election Commission of India’s model code of conduct is clear. We have asked the Chief Secretary and commissioners to respond by Thursday,” said State Election Commissioner S. K. Srivastava.
While the letter did not specify what action was required, the BJP’s complaint had suggested removing or blocking out the words “aam aadmi” from the posters, banners and buildings with the names.
Mr. Gupta had also written to Mr. Srivastava on March 18 with the complaint that the Aam Aadmi mohalla clinics and the Aam Aadmi bypass express bus service were names that were in violation of the poll code.
Elections to the 272 wards in Delhi were announced on March 14, leading to the model code of conduct coming into force.
The code will remain in force till the elections are completed.
