EC notice to AAP for ‘disparaging’ remarks against PM Modi

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show-cause notice to the Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday for alleged disparaging remarks made against the prime minister on its social media handle. The Commission has asked AAP to respond to the charge of poll code violation by November 16. The notice has been issued to Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister and the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

In its notice to the AAP, the EC stated: “The National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party is hereby called upon to explain the statements/ allegations/averments, made in the alleged social media posts under reference, against a star campaigner of another National Party and against the political party and by insinuation and innuendo against the candidates for the above state elections and to show cause by 19.00 hours of 16 November, 2023, as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct relevant election and penal laws should not be taken against you.”

The poll panel further stated, “In the event of no response from your side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the mater without making any further reference to you.”

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had on November 10 approached the Election Commission and demanded action against the AAP for posting “very unacceptable” and “unethical” video clip and remarks on a social media platform targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The AAP had posted a picture of Adani and Modi on November 8, alleging that the prime minister works for the industrialist and not the people.