Goa polls: EC summons Kejriwal for 'instigating' people to accept bribes

The Election Commission on Monday summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for 'deliberately instigating' the public to accept bribes for voting during a rally in Mapusa, Bardez Taluuka and Goa on January 8.

The matter was brought before the Commission's attention by the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit which had complained the Goa's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

During a rally, Kejriwal said, "Friends now that time for elections are approaching, someone from BJP and Congress will come and distribute money, in fact I heard that it has already started. But don't refuse it. Take the money. It is our money that they have plundered from us for ages. And take new notes, don't take the old ones. And one more thing, don't accept Rs. 5000, instead demand for Rs. 10,000 citing inflation."

The Commission stated that the statements amount to abetting and promoting electoral offence of bribery under the Section of 171B and 123(a) of the Representative of Peoples Act, 1951 and under the Section 171E of the Indian Penal Code 186.

"The Commission is, prima-facie, of the opinion that by making the statements you have violated the above said provision of the Model Code of Conduct," the order read.

Kejriwal has been asked by the poll panel to explain his stand by January 19 by 1.pm and explain as to why action should not be taken against him for his statements.