EC issues notice to Kejriwal, says state govt can't take action against electoral officer

People should accept it in new currency and ask for Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000 keeping in mind the inflation.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal | AFP
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal | AFP

NEW DELHI: The poll panel on Monday issued notice to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal for violation of model code of conduct by allegedly promoting bribery during the election campaign in Goa.

Kejriwal, during his speech on January 8 in Goa had asked the voters to take money if offered by the Congress and the BJP, “but vote only for AAP”. The EC has asked Kejriwal to give an explanation by January 19.

“If Congress or BJP candidates offer money, do not refuse it. Accept it as it is your own money and there is nothing wrong in getting it back. If they do not offer money, go to their offices and ask for it. But, when it comes to voting, press the button against the name of the AAP candidate,” Kejriwal had said in an election rally in Benaulim constituency in Goa.
 

EC is disciplinary authority for chief electoral officer
 

The State government is not empowered to take any action against the chief electoral officer of a state during polls in case of any irregularity.

Election Commission on Monday made it clear that it is the disciplinary authority for the chief electoral officer, and if there is any allegation about any irregularity in the performance of functions, State Government will not initiate any action.

The EC has said that the officers or staff employed in connection with the preparation, revision and correction of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections shall be deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission for the period during which they are so employed and such officers and staff shall, during that period, be subject to the control, superintendence and discipline of the Election Commission.

“As the Chief Electoral Officer is on deputation to the Commission under the aforesaid provisions of Section 13CC and Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 respectively, the Election Commission is the disciplinary authority for the Chief Electoral Officer,” said the EC.

 “If there is any allegation about any irregularity in the performance of functions by, him, such matter should be brought to the notice of the commission for such action as deemed appropriate by it. State Government will not initiate any action on their own,” said the EC.

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