Statement in support of Kejriwal under watch

Kumar said the EC has also forwarded to the police a number from which some SMSes had been sent.

The Election Commission has taken note of a statement issued by an organisation of Muslim clerics in Varanasi asking for votes in favour of Arvind Kejriwal. According to the statement issued in Varanasi Sunday by Mufti Board (Benaras): “It was unanimously decided that vote should be cast on the jhaadu (the AAP symbol)…”

Abdul Khan, head, said the board constituted in 2011 gives advice on matters “that hold importance for the country, society or community”. In another statement, the board praised district magistrate Pranjal Yadav for refusing permission to Narendra Modi to hold rally at Beniabagh on May 8.

The EC special observer for Varanasi, Praveen Kumar, said: “We have taken note of the issue, which has come to us through the media. The statement has to be examined before any action is taken.”

Asked about the rules, Kumar said: “After May 10, a candidate cannot hold a public programme. But a general appeal can be made. What is to be seen is whether the appeal is general in nature or focused at a particular community. Also, it has to be seen what media (print or electronic) has been used to disseminate the message. From what we have gathered so far, this particular instance seems to fall within the grey area and, therefore, we cannot draw any conclusion until we examine it in detail.”

Kumar said the EC has also forwarded to the police a number from which some SMSes had been sent. No formal complaint has been lodged, he added.

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