BJP lodges protest with EC over ‘delay’ in action against AAP leaders

The BJP on Wednesday lodged a protest with the Election Commission over what it alleged was a “delay” in action against Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including its convenor Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders, including “gagging” them.

“We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken, which hints at an unexpected favour to AAP by the EC,” Mr. Gupta said after the meeting.

“Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding on the complaints will only result in denial of our right to remedies... The EC has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules,” said Mr. Gupta.

The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of poll code violations against AAP, including for alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, and asking voters to take money from the BJP and the Congress but still vote for the Aam Aadmi Party.

The fresh complaint filed by Mr. Gupta said that despite various complaints and representations, no concrete and substantial actions have been taken by the EC.

“In a democratic set up like India, the EC is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters, but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations,” Mr. Gupta added.