BJP files defamation complaint against Kejriwal before EC

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has filed a defamation complaint against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), chief Arvind Kejriwal before the Election Commission (EC) over his allegations against BJP's Delhi unit president Satish Upadhyay.

Kejriwal had on Wednesday alleged that Upadhyay had a nexus with several power discoms in providing electricity in Delhi.

He said that Upadhyay owns 6000 shares in New Delhi Communication Network Ltd (NCNL) that provides services like installation and replacement of meters to power discoms.

On Thursday, Upadhyay along with BJP leader Vijay Goel and others moved the EC and submitted a notice accusing Kejrwial of defamation.

BJP lawyer Ajay Tejpal said that Kejriwal's statements were against EC's model code of conduct.

"It is given in the model code of conduct that if someone defames anyone, the Election Commission has the power to take legal actions against that person. The Election Commission has assured us that they look into the matter and then take a call upon it," said Tejpal.

Kejriwal also alleged that Upadhyay and his wife had 2,500 shares each in another company and Delhi BJP vice-president Ashish Sood was its former director.

However, Upadhyay refuted these allegations and termed them as frivolous.

"It is obvious that he (Satish Upadhyay) will say things to protect himself. He, certainly, has no other option other than saying that he will file a defamation case against me, let him do it," said Kejriwal.

Kejriwal said he has proof that the electric meters in Delhi, which run fast, have been put up by companies owned by Upadhyay.

Delhi will go to polls on February 07 and counting of votes will be held on February 10.

The national capital has been under president's rule for almost a year after the anti-corruption AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal made a stunning electoral debut to take power, only to give it up 49 days later.

The party's tenure was dominated by public sit-ins, conflicts with electricity and water agencies and a power struggle with the federal government.

Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister of Delhi in February 2014, frustrated by obstacles put in the way of an anti-corruption bill due to lack of majority in the 70-member house.