AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal addressing the press conference on January 16, during which he allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct. (Press Trust of India)
The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, for violating the Model Code of Conduct during a press conference, in which he launched an attack on the BJP and its Delhi unit chief, Satish Upadhyay.
The Commission said that it "prima facie" found Mr Kejriwal guilty of violating the Model Code twice during his press conference on January 16. The former Delhi Chief Minister had levelled graft allegations against Mr Upadhyay, and had also accused the BJP of attempting to incite communal violence in Delhi.
"You are hereby called upon to explain by 3.00 PM on 20.01.2015 as to why action should not be taken against you for aforesaid violation of Model Code of Conduct, failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without any further reference to you," the notice to Mr Kejriwal read.
The Election Commission said it had issued the notice after seeking a report from Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer, based on a complaint from Mr Upadhyay.
The notice says Mr Kejriwal is "prime facie" found guilty of violating two provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, which is in force in Delhi, ahead of the coming Assembly elections. While one provision relates to the levelling of personal allegations, the other deals with the incitement of tensions between communities.
During his January 16 press conference, Mr Kejriwal had accused Mr Upadhyay of was part of a company that supplies electricity meters to the power distribution company, BSES. The Delhi BJP president had responded with a defamation notice, and accused Mr Kejriwal of "running a factory of lies".
Mr Kejriwal had also accused the BJP of being behind attempts to incite communal violence in Delhi's Trilokpuri, Nandnagri, Nangloi and Bawana, and said the party was behind recent attacks on churches in Delhi.
The Election Commission notice said its notice had come in response to a complaint filed by Mr Upadhyay, which included a CD of the press conference.