Sting footage on AAP leaders doesn’t violate code: poll officials

The raw footage of the sting operation on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders has been reviewed by a team of officials of the Delhi Electoral Office and sent to the Election Commission of India.

The raw footage of the sting operation on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders has been reviewed by a team of officials of the Delhi Electoral Office and sent to the Election Commission of India.

The CDs of the sting operation were submitted to the Election Commission on Friday. AAP had moved the commission on Friday, urging it to verify the authenticity of the sting.

Sources at the Delhi Electoral Office, however, said there did not seem to be any violations of the model code of conduct. “We have sent the footage, with comments, to the Election Commission, which will take a final decision,” said an official who didn’t wish to be named.

“There doesn’t seem to be any violation of the code, and a larger view is needed,” he said.

Sources verifying the authenticity of the tape doesn’t really come under the purview of the Election Commission.

“AAP also has the option of approaching the court in the matter,” he said.

“The footage in the CDs of the sting operation has been sent to the District Media Monitoring Committee for reviewing under the category of paid news,” said an Election Commission official.

“It is difficult to prove any violation, particularly that of the code. The final outcome of the examination is not likely to come before the elections are over,” the official said.