Amidst the hustle of parliamentary elections, a fresh update surfaces about the controversy over PM Narendra Modi's statements. The Electoral Commission is viewing his references to the Ram Temple and Kartarpur Corridor construction in campaign rallies as political subjects. Therefore, mentioning these issues is not considered a violation of the code of conduct.
A Delhi lawyer Anand S Jondhale had initially filed a complaint with the Electoral Commission and then approached the High Court of Delhi. According to EC sources, whether PM Modi criticized Congress's manifesto in his Banswara speech or referenced the construction of the Ram Temple, both matters are political. Discussing these issues does not violate the code of conduct. Consequently, the Electoral Commission is geared up to grant PM Modi a clean chit. They believe that statements highlighting the government's achievements do not fall into the category of violating the model code of conduct.
'Hearing in Delhi HC Next Week'
Meanwhile, a hearing on Anand Jondhale's petition is expected in the Delhi High Court next week. The Election Commission has made this decision (clean chit) in its meeting to prepare a response.
'What the Complainant Had Said...'
Jondhale has urged the Delhi High Court to instruct the Electoral Commission to take action on his complaint, issue a notice to Prime Minister Modi, and demand a response. He insisted that adequate legal proceedings be ensured in this matter. According to the complainant, PM Modi violated the code of conduct and Representation of the People Act.
It's worth noting that a lawyer from Delhi had accused the Prime Minister of soliciting votes for the BJP in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. In a letter to the Electoral Commission, the lawyer charged that PM Modi sought votes in the names of Hindu gods and places of worship, and similarly for Sikh deities and shrines, which lead to a violation of the model code of conduct.
