File photo: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
New Delhi:
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party, appeared to defy the Election Commission on Monday when he repeated a controversial statement urging people to "accept bribes" from others but vote for his party. He has been served notice by the Election Commission for similar remarks.
"Do the BJP and Congress come to you with money? If they do, don't say no to them. Take the money," Mr Kejriwal was quoted as saying by the news agency Press Trust of India at public meetings in Jangpura and Kasturba Nagar in south Delhi.
"I know they are distributing blankets and sacks of rice as well. Take all of that, but reject liquor as it destroys families," he reportedly said.
Last week, the Election Commission had censured the former chief minister for making similar remarks at rallies. The Commission said it had "prima facie" found him guilty of violating the Model Code of Conduct.
The Congress had complained to the Election Commission that Mr Kejriwal had accused the party of attempted to bribe voters. The BJP has separately complained to the Election Commission, alleging that the AAP chief has falsely accused its Delhi chief, Satish Upadhyay, of corruption.