Aam Aadmi Party denies violation of poll code in distorted pic row

Following the row over AAP putting distorted pictures of BJP leader Vijender Gupta in its election posters across Delhi, the AAP on Wednesday denied charges and maintained that it has not violated the Model Code of Conduct and the allegations are “politically motivated”.

The Delhi State Election Commission (SEC) had asked the AAP to file a reply over a complaint by Gupta in this regard.

The poster, seen in many parts of the city, carries photos of both Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Leader of Opposition Gupta and asks voters as to who they would prefer to hold the reins of the municipal corporations.

In its reply to the SEC, AAP’s Delhi unit convener Dilip Pandey said, the photo depicts two different parties, their political ideologies and the work done by them.

“All charges levelled against us are baseless. Gupta is the Leader of the Opposition and all charges by him are politically motivated. We have not violated any Model Code of Conduct,” Pandey said.

Also read: MCD polls: Kejriwal demands withdrawal of tampered EVMs, calls for implementation of VVPAT machines

If the BJP leader found his picture on the posters objectionable then he should “send his photo, which can be used for ad campaign”, he said, adding, “Gupta’s photo, which was used in the campaign, is commonly found on the Internet.”

In a separate letter to Gupta, apparently mocking the BJP leader, Pandey said, he (Gupta) should not complain if his photo is replaced by that of Union Minister Vijay Goel.

In his complaint to the SEC, Gupta had said, “The posters show a smiling face of Kejriwal while depict me in a distorted and villainous way.”

Demanding that the Election Commission get the posters removed and take action against the AAP, the BJP leader had said, “These are elections and not a beauty contest to be fought on photos of leaders.”

Also read: Defamation case: Arvind Kejriwal gets bailable arrest warrant over tweet against PM Modi

Elections to all three civic bodies - North, East and South Delhi Municipal Corporations - will be held on April 23.

Counting of votes will take place on April 26.