EC censures Kejriwal for his statement against BJP on communal riots

The Election Commission on Friday expressed “displeasure” and “censured” Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal for his remarks that the BJP was inciting communal riots in Delhi and asked him to be cautious in his public utterances in future.

The Election Commission on Friday expressed “displeasure” and “censured” Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal for his remarks that the BJP was inciting communal riots in Delhi and asked him to be cautious in his public utterances in future.

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The poll watchdog also issued him another notice --- third in this election season --- for repeating statement that the people should accept bribe from the Congress and the BJP and vote for AAP. He has been asked to submit reply by 11am on January 27 on the charge against him.

In its order on the BJP’s complaint that that the party has been responsible for inciting communal riots in various parts of Delhi in the recent past, the EC said it has carefully considered his reply sent today.

“... in the Commission's considered view, your... statements have the effect of aggravating existing differences or creating mutual hatred or causing tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic, and vitiating the purity of election process and disturbing level playing field, and are thus violative of the provisions of Model Code of Conduct," the EC said.

While issuing the order, EC pointed out that the former Delhi chief minister has not denied the statements to the effect that Kejriwal accused the BJP of inciting communal violence.

In this election season, the EC has issued notices only to Kejriwal for his speeches as both the Congress and the BJP has filed complaints against him.