Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to revise its election campaign song to comply with Advertising Codes. This directive comes in response to the ECI's objection to the phrase «jail ke jawaab me hum vote denge» and a visual depicting a mob holding a photo of Arvind Kejriwal behind bars, which the ECI believes casts aspersions on the Judiciary.
In a statement, the ECI clarified its stance, saying, «The phrase 'jail ke jawaab me hum vote denge' showing an aggressive mob holding the photo of Arvind Kejriwal showing him behind bars, casts aspersions on the Judiciary.» The ECI further noted that the repeated use of this phrase in the advertisement violates the provisions of ECI Guidelines and Rule 6(1)(g) of Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
However, the AAP has defended its campaign song, arguing that it does not target the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and does not contravene the Model Code of Conduct. Atishi, a senior AAP leader, highlighted during a press conference that the song includes factual videos and incidents.
Atishi criticized the ECI, accusing it of failing to take action against poll code violations by the BJP. She expressed concern over the ECI's actions, suggesting that they pose a threat to democracy. Atishi called on the ECI to address BJP violations and refrain from obstructing the campaigns of opposition parties.