PANAJI: Acting on the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), election authorities in Goa filed an FIR on Monday in Mapusa against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his comments at a public rally here. Mr. Kejriwal reportedly asked voters to accept money from rival parties but vote for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
“If the Congress or BJP people offer money, don’t say no to it. It is our own money, at least you are getting some of it back. But when it comes to pressing the EVM button, vote for AAP,” he said at a rally in Sanquelim constituency in North Goa. The Congress demanded his arrest after the FIR was registered.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said the FIR has been filed under the relevant IPC sections and the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 at a local police station. “In pursuance to a direction from the ECI, returning officer of Mapusa has filed a complaint in Mapusa police station. We will now send a compliance report to the ECI. The matter is sub judice,” Mr. Kunal said.
Earlier this month, the EC had issued a show cause notice to Mr. Kejriwal, asking him to explain comments made in Goa on January 8. A complaint was filed against him by the local BJP, accusing him of violating the model code of conduct.
