The New Delhi district election officer (DEO) has escalated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) complaints against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Parvesh Verma to the police for a detailed investigation. This development follows allegations by AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accusing Verma of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during election campaigning, as reported by news agency PTI.
Allegations Against Parvesh Verma
Kejriwal alleged that Verma engaged in corrupt practices by distributing cash and organizing job camps under the “Har Ghar Naukari” campaign. He claimed that Verma distributed ₹1100 in cash to individuals, actions he described as clear violations of election rules.
“These acts constitute corrupt practices under the rules and regulations of the Election Commission. Parvesh Verma should be barred from contesting elections, and his residence should be raided to uncover the extent of these practices,” Kejriwal stated after a meeting with the Election Commission.
Investigation and Preventive Measures
The DEO, in an action-taken report submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi, confirmed that instructions were issued to prevent the organization of job camps scheduled for January 15. Furthermore, the police have been tasked with verifying Kejriwal’s allegations and initiating action under the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act.
Despite these complaints, separate reports by election officials revealed that flying squads responsible for monitoring MCC violations did not find any evidence of job camps or pamphlets as alleged by AAP.
Kejriwal’s Accusations Against Election Officials
In addition to his allegations against Verma, Kejriwal criticized the local election officer of the New Delhi assembly constituency, claiming that they had “surrendered” to the BJP.
“The local DEO is facilitating all the wrongdoings of the BJP. The Election Commission of India (ECI) assured us that these practices will not be allowed and strict action will be taken. The local DEO and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) should be suspended,” he alleged.
Kejriwal also accused officials of arbitrarily deleting voter names from the electoral rolls in the New Delhi constituency, a claim that election officials have refuted.