Two FIRs have been registered in connection with violation of the model code of conduct in Bawana, which went to poll on Wednesday.
One FIR raises the issue of a ‘communal’ pamphlet allegedly distributed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Imran Hussain, while the other is against a special scheme, allegedly launched by leaders of the AAP, in the run up to the by-election.
Poster politics
Returning Officer (RO) Vivek Agarwal submitted a complaint regarding a poster allegedly issued to secure votes by making an appeal on communal lines.
Handing over the pamphlet to the police, Mr. Agarwal wrote that the pamphlet was “allegedly issued by Imran Hussain” and that “prima facie makes an appeal to the resident Muslims of Bawana to vote for quom [community]”.
The Chief Minister’s media advisor, Nagendra Sharma, however, said that no FIR has been registered against Mr. Hussain.
“In fact, he was the first to file a complaint about the fake poster,” he said.
BJP printed posters: AAP
Mr. Hussain had submitted a complaint to the police on Monday stating that the “objectionable and communal poster” is being distributed by miscreants to malign his image. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Rishi Pal remained unavailable to comment on whether the police had considered the complaint while registering the FIR.
“The BJP has themselves printed these pamphlets and posters and are now registering a police complaint. Neither Mr. Hussain nor any of our leaders have printed such posters,” said senior party leader Ashutosh.
Special scheme
The other complaint submitted by Mr. Agarwal named the Delhi government and leaders of the AAP.
The RO alleged that a special scheme was launched by the government, which is allegedly in violation of the model code of conduct.
The scheme, allegedly launched by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation from August 11-25 in an ad, aimed to give benefits to people of Bawana regarding sewerage maintenance, water bills and more, he said.
Mr. Agarwal added that the issue was brought to his notice by BJP convenor Neeraj.
Denying the claims, AAP Delhi spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the ad for the scheme was floated by a private company called Bawana Infra Development Pvt Ltd. The scheme was started on August 15, and as soon as it came to the notice of the DSIIDC, the company was directed to stop it.
“This has nothing to do with the government or any of our leaders. No such scheme was launched by the government,” said Mr. Bharadwaj.