'Ascertain Facts, Take Action': Poll Body's Order Against Parvesh Verma After Kejriwal's Complaint

The EC's directive comes shortly after AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal met Chief Election Commissioner and handed over a formal complaint against Parvesh Verma accusing him of openly distributing cash.

File photo of BJP candidate Parvesh Verma.

Source : PTI

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi to launch an inquiry and take appropriate action against BJP leader Parvesh Verma for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The EC's directive comes shortly after AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar earlier in the day and handed over a formal complaint against the BJP's New Delhi candidate accusing him of openly distributing cash.

"The Hon’ble Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi sought an appointment with the Hon’ble Commission vide letter dated 08.01.2025 and accordingly, a delegation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) met the Commission today at 03:00 pm. The delegation raised certain allegations of violation of Model Code of Conduct against Shri Parvesh Verma, a prospective candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," the EC's order read.

ECI asked Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi to inquire about the complaint of AAP, ascertain the facts and take immediate appropriate action in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct. Action Taken Report shall be sent to the Commission.

AAP had complained against BJP… pic.twitter.com/T5kseqQuye

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2025

"I am directed to request you to get the complaint inquired into, ascertain the actual facts and take immediate appropriate action in accordance with the provisions of Model code of conduct, electoral laws and the extant guidelines of the Election Commission of India. Action Taken Report shall also be sent to the Commission," the order, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer, said.

Arvind Kejriwal had also accused Parvesh Verma of openly distributing Rs 1,100 to women and demanded that a raid should be conducted against the BJP candidate. The AAP leader alleged that Verma is blatantly violating the MCC.

He also called for the immediate suspension and transfer of the District Election Officer (DEO), alleging bias and failure to ensure fair conduct of the election.