Election officer slaps notice on AAP over violent protest

A notice was on Thursday slapped on the Aam Aadmi Party by election authorities for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct over Tuesday's violent protest by Arvind Kejriwal party supporters outside the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in the national capital.

The AAP has been asked by New Delhi's deputy commissioner and district election officer to explain by 3 pm on Friday as to why action should not be initiated against it for holding a protest without permission from poll officials and in violation of the Model Code.

"The Model Code of Conduct came into force on Wednesday and permission has to be sought from the competent authority for holding any kind of gathering or procession which is related to election issue," New Delhi's DEO Ameya Abhyankar told PTI.

Once the Model Code comes into force, all political parties have to seek prior permission from poll authorities before carrying out any activity which is related to polls.

The notice to AAP comes in the wake of a BJP delegation meeting the Chief Election Commissioner and seeking strict action against AAP and its leaders for Wednesday’s violent incidents outside the BJP headquarters.

The BJP has also sought de-recognition of AAP for acting in violation of the MCC.

During its protest outside the BJP headquarters, AAP supporters clashed with BJP workers and indulged in stone-pelting injuring many. A first information report has also been lodged against some AAP leaders including Ashutosh and Shazia Ilmi.

Image: Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party and India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party clash during a protest outside the office of BJP. Photograph: Reuters