Goa assembly elections 2017: Election Commission censures Arvind Kejriwal for bribe remarks at a rally

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday censured Aam Aadmi Chief (AAP) and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his bribe remarks at a rally in Goa ahead of assembly elections in the state. 

The EC had earlier issued a notice to Kejriwal for purportedly promoting bribery at a rally earlier this month by saying that voters in Goa should accept money from the BJP and Congress but cast their vote to AAP.

Addressing the people of Benaulim, Kejriwal said, "If Congress or BJP candidates offer money, do not refuse it. Accept it as your own money. But when it comes to voting, press the button against the name of the AAP candidate."

While issuing the notice, the EC said that prima facie, Mr Kejriwal’s statements violated the model code which came into effect in Goa on January 6. It also said that Kejriwal’s remarks amount to "abetting and promoting electoral offence of bribery". 

AAP has fielded former Inspector General of Prisons Elvis Gomes as their Chief Ministerial face in Goa, which goes to polls on February 4.