ECI Orders Probe into AAP’s Complaint Against BJP’s Parvesh Verma Over Electoral Misconduct Allegations
AAP Flags Alleged Irregularities in New Delhi Constituency’s Electoral Roll and Model Code Violations
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi to investigate allegations raised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Parvesh Verma. The inquiry stems from accusations of Model Code of Conduct violations and suspected tampering with the electoral roll in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.
In its complaint, AAP claimed that Verma, the BJP candidate from the New Delhi seat, engaged in unethical practices, including distributing money and organizing events like health camps and job fairs to influence voters. AAP also flagged concerns about irregular additions and deletions in the constituency’s electoral roll.
The ECI, in its directive, instructed the Delhi CEO to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take immediate, appropriate action under electoral laws and guidelines. It also requested a detailed Action Taken Report to be submitted to the Commission.
Following a meeting with the ECI, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the BJP and Verma, accusing them of resorting to “corrupt practices.” Kejriwal claimed that Verma distributed money and announced job fairs and health camps, which he argued violate election regulations.
“We highlighted how Parvesh Verma is openly distributing money in the New Delhi constituency. Events like health camps, where glasses are being handed out, and job fairs announced for January 15, clearly fall under corrupt practices as per election rules. Such actions cannot be allowed,” Kejriwal said.
He also demanded the removal of local Election Registration Officers (EROs), stating that a prior application regarding their alleged misconduct had not been acted upon.
The ECI assured AAP of “strict action” against any violations of electoral laws.
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
