Sibal accuses Gupta of violating model code of conduct

Congress leader Kapil Sibal accused Vijender Gupta, his BJP opponent in the Chandni Chowk constituency, of violating model code of conduct by resorting to "bribery" to have "undue influence on voters".

Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday accused Vijender Gupta, his BJP opponent in the Chandni Chowk constituency, of violating model code of conduct by resorting to "bribery" to have "undue influence on voters".

HT Image

Sibal alleged that Gupta's wife Sobha told a gathering of senior citizens this morning at a community centre in Kesav Puram area that their old-age pension has been doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 after "Gupta signed" on the order.

Sibal also claimed that Sobha was holding a campaign poster of her husband and was indicating that he was responsible for the increase in the pension.

The Congress leader has lodged a complaint with Election Commission, alleging that the act by Sobha amounted to "bribery and undue influence" on voters.

"You cannot use a community centre for campaigning. Secondly, you cannot show the poster of the candidate and tell people that the hike was effected after he put his signature," Sibal told reporters.

A video CD, purportedly showing the proceedings of the meeting, was displayed at the press conference.

When contacted, Gupta said such allegations of Sibal show his loss of faith on people. "He wants to take the matter out of the people's court. I have said earlier too that he is more a lawyer than a people's representative."

"I am yet to get the facts of the case. Once I get the complete picture, I will reply to him in the same manner he has done," he said.