The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday demanded a clarification from the Election Commission of India for banning distribution of “free” tea at its NaMo (Narendra Modi) tea stalls but not acting against the Aam Aadmi Party’s fundraiser lunch programme.
“Such a decision of targeting only NaMo tea has given rise to suspicion. The Election Commission should clarify on its decision,” BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters after an interaction with college students here. “The Election Commission should either ban both the programmes or allow NaMo tea to be distributed,” she said, and alleged that there was no “parity” in the poll panel’s decision.
Taking exception to the Election Commission’s observation that distribution of free tea amounts to bribing voters, she said, “We are not giving free television sets or bicycles. It is not being conducted by any candidate. It is just a voluntary drive wherein funds are also raised. You can regularise payment of Rs. 20,000 for a lunch [by the AAP]. But you put donations of Rs. 10 under the scanner. What kind of logic is this?” she wondered.
