Delhi polls: BJP's Parvesh Verma under fire for shoe distribution, FIR ordered

The Returning Officer (RO) of the New Delhi constituency on Wednesday directed the police to register an FIR against BJP candidate Parvesh Verma for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by distributing shoes to people of the constituency.

Meanwhile, Verma filed his nomination from the New Delhi seat on Wednesday, where he will face former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress candidate Sandeep Dixit in the February 5 Delhi elections.

Before filing his nomination, Verma offered prayers at Gauri Shankar temple in Chandni Chowk and Valmiki temple.

According to the official communique, accessed by The Tribune, the RO stated that he received a complaint against Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma for distributing shoes to electors of New Delhi Assembly constituency in the religious campus of Valmiki temple near Mandir Marg police station.

“The complainant has forwarded two videos wherein Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma is seen distributing shoes to women,” reads the letter.

Notably, as per Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (1) (A), any gift, offer or promise by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent of any gratification, to any person, comes under corrupt practices.

Subsequently, the poll officer directed that immediate investigation into the matter may be conducted and appropriate action for violation of MCC and action under Section 123 of RP Act may be initiated.

The Mandir Marg SHO has also been asked to submit an action taken report in the matter.