EC directs Kejriwal not to ask voters to take bribe

Taking "serious note" of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's repeated remarks asking voters to accept bribe from Congress and BJP but vote for his party, Election Commission today directed him to desist from making such comments in future and warned of stern action in case of any violation.

"...The Commission has taken serious note of the fact that you have been indulging in the violations of the Model Code of Conduct repeatedly despite the repeated notices to you... In view of the above statement and undertaking...And aforesaid violations of the Model Code of Conduct by you, the Commission hereby directs you to desist from making these utterances in all forms of election campaign," EC said in its order.

The poll watchdog "warned" him that it will be "constrained to take stern action against you in the event of any further violation".

While issuing the order, EC took note of Kejriwal's undertaking that he respects the poll body and the law and he would stop making such appeals if the Commission thinks his statements were inappropriate.

EC was responding to separate complaints made by BJP and Congress against the Aam Aadmi Party Convener.

The Commission said the model code envisages that parties and candidates participating in the electoral process shall "avoid scrupulously all activities which are corrupt practices and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters...."

The public speech made by Kejriwal that invited EC's ire was--"It's election time. When people both from BJP and Congress come offering money, don't refuse, accept...Some have looted money from 2G, some have looted money from coal scam... Take money from both the parties but vote for AAP.

"We will fool them this time. They have been deceiving us for the last 65 years. Now it's our turn," he had said.

On January 23, EC had expressed "displeasure" and had censured Kejriwal for his reported remarks that BJP was inciting communal riots in parts of Delhi.