Two FIRs have been filed against Gujarat chief minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for violating model code of conduct.
After the election commission asked Gujarat polls body to take action against Modi, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has filed the FIRs under Section126 (1)(A) and 126 1(B) of the Representation of the People Act for displaying election material 48 hours before the period fixed for polling. The maximum punishment under these provisions of RPA is upto two years imprisonment.
Narendra Modi is accused of displaying the party symbol after he cast his vote in Gujarat earlier this morning. The EC also slammed the electronic media for telecasting Modi’s press conference outside polling booth where Modi has been seen flaunting Lotus, BJP’s symbol.
“Two FIRs have been registered by the city crime branch in connection with the events,” Gujarat DGP PC Thakur told PTI.
Ahmedabad Police commissioner Shivanand Jha claimed that police had complied with the EC’s order.
“We have complied with the Election Commission’s order and sent our compliance report to them,” he said.
The EC directive said, “The commission is of the view that by holding that meeting and also by addressing the same today when the polling is going on in the entire state of Gujarat and in different parts of the country, Narendra Modi has violated the provisions of Sections 126 (1)(a) and 126 (l)(b) of RP Act 1951…Therefore, the commission directs … that complaint/ FIR as the case may be, should be filed against Narendra Modi and all others who were involved in the convening and holding of the said meeting.”
Congress earlier demanded action against Modi and called him a habitual offender.
“Modi is a habitual offender of code of conduct. He launched the BJP manifesto on polling day and filed his nomination on a polling day. The EC should take stern action against him,” said Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad.
BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi defended Narendra Modi and the party seemed to be downplayed the issue.
“We respect the EC and it is a constitutional body of the country. Thus we will await the verdict of the EC and whatever it is we will abide by it. According to us Mr Modi did not violate the model of code of conduct because he never held any press conference.” said Meenakshi Lekhi.
Tags: Election Commission elections 2014 FIR against Narendra Modi india Lok Sabha polls Narendra Modi