BJP leader Parvesh Verma, the New Delhi Assembly seat candidate, is under scrutiny for alleged violations of the model code of conduct.
On Thursday, police registered a non-cognizable report (NCR) against Verma for allegedly distributing sarees to women at his residence, just a day after a similar report was filed accusing him of distributing shoes at a temple.
District Magistrate Sunny Kumar Singh, the returning officer for the New Delhi Assembly segment, confirmed the receipt of a complaint from a member of the public.
“We took cognizance of the allegation and forwarded it to the police for further action,” Singh said. Delhi Police have registered an NCR at Barakhamba police station and are investigating.
The saree distribution complaint follows another filed earlier by an advocate, which included video evidence purportedly showing Verma handing out shoes to voters.
According to a sub-divisional magistrate on election duty, videos have also surfaced showing women gathered outside Verma’s residence, leaving with red-colored bags allegedly containing sarees. These materials were forwarded to the police for lodging an FIR and further investigation.
Verma, booked on Wednesday under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, could not be reached for comment. Section 123 prohibits candidates or their agents from offering gifts, gratification, or promises to influence voters, deeming such acts corrupt practices.
Defending himself against the shoe distribution allegations, Verma claimed he was honoring sanitation workers by placing shoes on their feet at the temple. “These workers are the unsung heroes of our city, and I deeply appreciate their efforts,” he stated.
The allegations against Verma have fueled criticism from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and his party members, who accuse him of attempting to sway voters through unethical means. The controversy intensifies as election season progresses.
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