Kejriwal asks voters to accept money from parties

Jalandhar: Thumbing his nose at the Election Commission, Arvind Kejriwal today asked voters in Punjab to accept money offered by political parties but “fool” them by voting only for AAP, days after Goa’s poll panel chief took cognizance of similar remarks allegedly made by the Delhi CM.

“The state goes to polls on February 4. All parties will give you money. Accept it, but vote only for AAP,” Kejriwal told a gathering in Punjab’s Jalandhar during electioneering.

Goa Chief Electoral Officer Kunal had said on January 9 that he had had received information about Kejriwal asking people to accept money to vote and that he would send a report to the Election Commission of India for further action.

The report, however, was not sent to the EC till yesterday.

“We had sought a detailed report from District Election Officer (South) on Kejriwal’s speech. But we are yet to receive any report from them.

“The District Election Office is yet to receive authenticated CD of the speech by Kejriwal due to which they have not sent the report,” Additional Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti had told reporters in Panaji yesterday.

While addressing an election rally in Benaulim constituency on Saturday last, Kejriwal had reportedly told voters, “If Congress or BJP candidates offer money, do not refuse it.

“Accept it as it is your own money and there is nothing wrong in getting it back. If they do not offer money, go to their offices and ask for it. But, when it comes to voting, press the button against the name of the AAP candidate.