The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress leader Pawan Khera for allegedly holding electoral registrations in more than one constituency, in violation of election laws. The notice came hours after Khera asked the poll body to explain how one of his older registrations remained active despite his application for deletion.
According to the District Election Office (DEO) of New Delhi, Khera is registered in the Electoral Roll of multiple constituencies. The notice, issued under the Representation of the People Act, directs him to respond to the charges by 11 am on September 8, failing which appropriate action may be initiated.
BJP’s Malviya Calls Congress “Vote Chor,” Khera Blames EC
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that Khera was registered as a voter in both Jangpura (under East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency) and New Delhi. He cited EPIC numbers XHC1992338 (Jangpura) and SJE0755967 (New Delhi) as proof, accusing the Congress of being the “quintessential vote chor.”
“Rahul Gandhi screamed ‘vote chori’ from the rooftops… it has now emerged that Pawan Khera – who never misses a chance to flaunt his proximity to the Gandhis – holds two active EPIC numbers,” Malviya tweeted.
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He further urged the Election Commission to probe whether Khera voted more than once, saying, “It is now for the Election Commission to investigate how Pawan Khera holds two active EPIC numbers, and whether he voted multiple times – a clear violation of electoral laws.”
Reacting to the controversy, Khera blamed the poll body for the discrepancy, asserting that he had shifted from the New Delhi constituency in 2016 and followed due process to get his name deleted.
“I would like to know from the Election Commission who is being made to cast vote from the New Delhi constituency in my name. I want the CCTV footage. I shifted from there in 2016. I followed the procedure to get my name deleted from there. But why is my name still there?” he said.
The row comes a day after Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Congress was preparing to expose the BJP over alleged instances of “vote chori,” hinting at a major revelation soon.
