AAP served notice over code violation

Bharat Khanna

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 19

The Aam Aadmi Party has been served notice over the violation of the model code of conduct during Arvind Kejriwal’s rally in Rampura Phul constituency as the event went beyond the permitted time.

Later in the evening, the Rampura Phul RO recommended registration of a case against the AAP’s Rampura office in charge.

AAP had sought permission for the rally at Patiala Mandi in Rampura Phul town from 3 pm to 9 pm. However, Kejriwal reached the venue late and the rally was held till 10 pm.

The party was asked to reply by today till 4 pm but it could not satisfy the Rampura RO.

The vigilance team of Rampura Phul Returning Officer (RO) NS Dhaliwal noted that Arvind Kejriwal had addressed the gathering till 9:55 pm whereas they had permission to hold the rally till 9 pm, as sought by the party cadre.

The Returning Officer has also taken cognizance of a statement given onstage by AAP leader from abroad and marked an inquiry if that is counted as a violation of the code of conduct.

The leader from abroad, Seera Singh, has allegedly claimed that the party would honour assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after it forms the government.

NS Dhaliwal said, “We have sent a notice to AAP Rampura Phul office in charge and asked them to reply till 4 pm. Several others aspects are also being examined if any other violation was made by the candidate or any other leader. Kejriwal’s voice from loudspeakers was noticed till 9:55 pm. The political parties seek permission for timings for their campaign and they have to stop their campaign when their time ends. In the video, nothing has been found that incites violence related to former PM Indira Gandhi.”

AAP Rampura in charge Rakesh Kumar said, “Kejriwal delivered his speech only till 9 pm.”