AAP files complaint against BJP for spreading "false video"; alleges breach of MCC, demands action

New Delhi [India], January 12 (ANI): The Aam Aadmi Party filed a complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging the circulation of a 'false video' depicting Delhi's roads in poor condition, while the roads shown in the video belong to Faridabad, Haryana.
The AAP has accused the BJP of breaching the Model Code of Conduct by engaging in "misinformation" and "false propaganda" to 'mislead' the public.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Officer of Delhi, Advocate Kunal Raj, representing AAP said, "I am writing to bring to your attention a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the BJP. The party has been spreading misinformation through a false video on their social media channels, showcasing roads in Delhi in a deplorable condition."
"However, it has been exposed that the road featured in the video is actually located in Faridabad, Haryana. I have attached the link to the false video and the video exposing the truth, which clearly reveals the BJP's attempt to mislead the public," the letter added.
AAP has urged election authorities to take swift action against the BJP for what it described as an attempt to "misinform" the public and "tarnish" its image ahead of elections.
"This is a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits spreading misinformation and false propaganda. I request that you take immediate action against the BJP for this violation. The party's actions are not only a violation of the Model Code of Conduct but also a threat to the integrity of the electoral process," the letter read.
AAP urged the Chief Election Officer to seize the video and direct the BJP to remove the false video from their social media channels.
It also urged the CEO to take necessary legal action against BJP for violating the Model Code of Conduct and committing offences under Section 123(4) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, Section 340 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act.
AAP requested to ensure that the "BJP is restrained from spreading false information in the future."
The party added that such acts "destroy the sanctity of the election process" and that parties committing such offences should be held accountable.
"An example should be set for the public to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. I hope you will take immediate action in this matter to uphold the integrity of the electoral process," said AAP in the letter.
The Delhi assembly polls will be held in a single phase on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8.
The Congress, which was in power for 15 consecutive years in Delhi, has suffered setbacks in the last two assembly elections and has failed to win any seat. In contrast, the AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections by winning 62 out of 70 seats while the BJP got only eight seats.
Earlier in the day, AAP MP Sanjay Singh questioned the origins of a recent CAG report, which revealed a significant revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore due to irregularities in the Delhi government's excise policy. He asserted that the Model Code of Conduct is in place and the BJP is "violating" the regulations. by spreading fake news.
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi government's excise policy revealed a revenue loss of Rs 2,026 crore to the state exchequer. The report's findings stated that there were deviations from the objective of the policy, a lack of transparency in pricing, and violations in issuing licenses that were not penalised.
Of the losses worth Rs 2,026 crore to the state exchequer, the loss of Rs 890 crore resulted from the government's failure to re-tender the surrendered licenses before the policy period concluded, according to the report. Moreover, exemptions granted to the zonal licenses led to the loss of Rs 941 crore. (ANI)