BJP urges EC to 'derecognise' AAP

The BJP on Tuesday apprised the Election Commission of irregularities in the donation records of AAP and demanded the Delhi's ruling party be "derecognised".

"We have submitted a complaint letter regarding irregularities in the donation records of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Election Commission," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi President Manoj Tiwari, who led the delegation, told reporters.

"We have requested the EC to order a thorough inquiry into the matter, as prima facie it is a clear case of violation of the Representation of People Act 1951 and Election Symbol (Allotment and Reservation) Order 1968.

"If the irregularities get established against them, the recognition of AAP should be withdrawn by the EC," he added.

Earlier in the day, Tiwari accused the AAP and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of lying to the poll panel by not revealing the exact amount of funds it received through donations.

"Kejriwal and his party have lied to that institution, which acts as a watchdog for political parties," Tiwari said at a press conference.

Citing a news report by CNN-News18 channel, he said: "CNN-News18 in its report showed discrepancies in the donations that AAP received. We also probed and were shocked to find the details.

"We were shocked that the AAP lied not only to the Income Tax department but also to the Election Commission."

"The AAP in its affidavit to the Income Tax (IT) department in 2013-14 said that it received Rs 50.64 crore donation, while on its website it disclosed that it received Rs 19.82 crore," Tiwari, who also represents the northeast parliamentary constituency of Delhi, said.

"They informed the Election Commission that they received only Rs 6 crore donation in 2013-14," he alleged.

"Was it the money which (sacked Delhi Minister) Kapil Mishra saw you (Kejriwal) receiving from (Health Minister) Satyendar Jain?" Tiwari asked.

"They again lied in 2014-15, as in their affidavit to IT department they claimed that they only received Rs 65.52 crore as donation, while on their website it was mentioned that they received Rs 27.48 crore.

"Where did the rest of Rs 40 crore go? Is it the same money which is being converted into white?" he asked, terming the AAP a "gang of fraudsters", where if anyone raising his voice is ousted from the party.

Tiwari also accused the AAP government of betraying the people of Delhi who voted for a corruption-free government.

"People of Delhi voted for a corruption-free government, but what did they get in return -- betrayal, corruption, loot, lies, hawala and bribery," he said.

--IANS

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