AAP replies to EC notice, denies violating Model Code of Conduct

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday replied to Election Commission's notice for alleged violation of Model Code violation by appealing to Muslims here for votes on religious grounds.

Party's National Secretary Pankaj Gupta denied violating the Model Code of Conduct, and said that they have answered the questions raised by the Election Commission.

"Election Commission had sent us a notice where they asked us two questions for which they wanted a reply. One of the questions was that we were appealing to a certain community for votes, and we have replied to the same," he said.

"We have tried to explain that we want to connect with everyone in the society irrespective of their community or group. We have written to the Election Commission that we have not violated any norms, and we believe that after reading our answers, the Election Commission will free us from these allegations," he added.

Earlier on November 20, the Election Commission (EC) issued a notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal for distributing a pamphlet that reportedly contained an appeal for votes on religious grounds,

The poll body held Kejriwal prima facie violative of the Model Code of Conduct, and ask him to reply to its notice by 11 a.m. on November 25, failing which, it warned that action could be taken.

Kejriwal, however, requested the Election Commission for an extension of two days to reply to the notice.

He has been found guilty of violating against him for violating sub para (3) of Para I of the MCC.

According to this provision of the poll code for guidance of political parties and candidates, "there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings, for securing votes...mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda.