Whether done inadvertently or intentionally, the BJP’s move to put out an illustrative advertisement showing a garland around Anna Hazare’s photograph, has landed the party into a whirl of controversy. While people are questioning how the advertisement was approved in the first place, AAP compared the BJP to Nathuram Godse. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday tweeted, “Nathuram Godse killed Gandhi on this day in 1948. BJP has killed Anna in its ad today. Shouldn’t BJP apologiseIJ”

The advertisement, published in several newspapers on Friday, targeted the AAP and also showed a photo of Anna Hazare with a garland around it. AAP lashed out at BJP accusing the saffron party of “killing” the “second Gandhi” on Martyrs’ Day. The party added that while the BJP talks big of Gandhian principles, it actually follows Godse’s ideology.

The party has appealed to the Election Commission to intervene in the matter saying that the advertisement is against the Model Code of Conduct issued by the EC. Senior leader Sanjay Singh said, “On the day the Mahatma was assassinated, they have killed the second Gandhi which reflects their narrow mentality. The ad is not only in poor taste it also goes against EC guidelines. The EC should take note and act appropriately.”

It was during the 2011 anti-graft movement that Kejriwal was a close aide of Anna Hazare after which due to Kejriwal’s decision of joining politics, the partnership fell apart.However, the former CM has asked for a public apology from BJP for insulting Anna adding that he will always pray for Anna’s long life.Singh elaborated, “The ad has stemmed out of their frustration and despondency. If they have an iota of shame left, they should publicly apologise for indulging in such negative campaigning.” Singh also posed questions towards the BJP.

“Was this ad even approved before it was publishedIJ The party has taken such a step without even realising what they have done. They are so blinded by their desperation to get votes that they have stooped to such a level,” he said.The advertisement showed a cartoon of Kejriwal blessing two kids who have angry expressions while also illustrating the relationship of AAP and Congress.