FIR ordered against Gautam Gambhir for holding rally without permission
What's the story
Former cricketer and BJP candidate from East Delhi, Gautam Gambhir reportedly held a rally on April 25 in Lajpat Nagar without permission. He is now facing action for the same. The Election Commission asked Delhi Police to file an FIR against the star-cricketer for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Soon, Gambhir's opponent Atishi Marlena (AAP) took a dig at him. Here's more.
Details
Senior police officer confirmed receiving order
The order to register FIR against Gambhir, who joined BJP last month, was given by East Delhi Electoral Officer K Mahesh. Confirming the development, DCP (Southeast) Chinmoy Biswal, said they have received a complaint from the top polling body regarding Gambhir's Thursday event. "We took action under Delhi Police Act and filed a Kalandara against him after issuing challan," Biswal said.
Reaction
After FIR order, Atishi took a dig at Gambhir
Soon, Atishi took to Twitter to take a dig at the 37-year-old cricketer. "First, Discrepancies in nomination papers. Then, Criminal offense of having 2 voter IDs. Now, FIR for illegal rally, (sic)" she tweeted. She asked Gambhir why was he playing the game when he didn't know the rules. Notably, Gambhir will be locking horns with Atishi and Congress' Arvinder Singh Lovely.
Twitter Post
Atishi wasted no time in questioning Gambhir
First, Discrepancies in nomination papers.
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) April 27, 2019
Then, Criminal offence of having 2 voter IDs.
Now, FIR for illegal rally.
My question to @GautamGambhir: When you don't know the rules, why play the game? https://t.co/gv303X4nyQ
Plea
AAP raised questions on Gambhir's nomination, approached court
Earlier, Atishi moved court alleging discrepancies in Gambhir's nomination. AAP alleged he owns two voters ID cards, one each from Karol Bagh and Rajinder Nagar. Tis Hazari court will hear plea on May 1. An election officer said while Gambhir can't be barred from elections now, the rules of disqualification under Sections 8, 9 and 10 of the Representation of People Act 1951 will apply if he is elected.
Candidate
BJP hopes Gambhir's star power pays off
Gambhir, who is BJP's star-candidate, is one of the richest contestants in the fray. He has an annual income of over Rs. 12 crore. A vocal supporter of BJP, Gambhir said he would fight polls on his vision. "Politics is also a team game like cricket, and the team has done very well - people love our PM and it will show," he said.