'Respond Before 5 PM Tomorrow': EC Issues Notice To Arvind Kejriwal Over Hindu-Muslim Video

The video purportedly shows that while other political parties and media are allegedly talking of 'Hindu-Muslim', 'Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)' and 'Mandir-Masjid', Kejriwal was talking of development, schools and women safety.

The notice has been issued against Kejriwal for violating model code of conduct. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: With less than 12 hours left for Delhi to exercise its franchise for the much-awaited Delhi Assembly elections on February 8, the Election Commission (EC) on Friday issued a show cause notice to Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief for posting a questionable video on his Twitter account targeting the Opposition, saying prima facie it has the potential of disturbing communal harmony. The video purportedly shows that while other political parties and media are allegedly talking of 'Hindu-Muslim', 'Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)' and 'Mandir-Masjid', Kejriwal was talking of development, schools and women safety. According to reports, Kejriwal has been asked to respond to the notice before 5.00 pm on Saturday, the day of polling in Delhi.

Election Commission of India has issued notice to Sh. Arvind Kejriwal for violation of Model Code of Conduct and Representation of the People Act, 1951 to reply by 5 PM of 08.02.2020.

For more details:https://t.co/pgryazNNli#ElectionCommissionOfIndia #ECI pic.twitter.com/tQ0XLiY0uP — Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) February 7, 2020

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the poll panel with a complaint that the February 3 video has the potential of 'aggravating existing differences'. The commission says it prima facie finds that the AAP convener has violated the model code of conduct. The notice, dated February 7, accuses Kejriwal of violating model code of conduct and came on a BJP complaint filed February 4 where it has alleged Kejriwal was tweeting a video "with the intention of gaining votes by aggravating existing differences/creating mutual hatred/causing tension between religious communities in violation of the Model Code of Conduct". The EC notice says the video has the "potential of disturbing communal harmony and aggravate the existing differences between social and religious communities". WATCH REPORT | EC Sends Notice To Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal For Violating Model Code Of Conduct "Therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your position in making the above statement on or before 5 p.m. on February 8, 2020, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you," the notice reads. This is not the first time Kejriwal has come under EC's lens. On January 30, the Commission had warned him for promising to set up a mohalla clinic inside a Delhi court complex. While the Delhi election will take place on February 8, the results of it will come out on February 11. (With inputs from agencies)