AAP responds to EC directive for removing Kejriwal's image from hoardings, demands 'level playing field'

Claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pictures are widely in use under various pretexts, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday in its response to the Election Commission's order said that a "level playing field" should be ensured for free and fair elections.

In its order, the EC had directed removal or covering of pictures especially of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the words 'aam aadmi', citing deference to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Replying to the order, AAP national spokesperson and Lok Sabha candidate Raghav Chadha has argued that Modi's pictures are plastered all over the city under various governmental/non-governmental pretexts and must be subject to the same standards and regulations as are being imposed on the Delhi Chief Minister.

In his written reply to EC, Chadha said: "It is essential that if a level playing field is ensured, the directions ought to be issued across the board, to all parties. It is pertinent to point out that directions ought to be issued only in such a manner, to ensure free and fair elections."

Earlier on March 12, hoardings and banners containing Modi's photographs were removed from petrol pumps in the national capital following the enforcement of MCC.