Congress files 16 complaints with EC against BJP amid Lok Sabha polls 2024: 'PM Modi
Congress files 16 complaints with EC against BJP amid Lok Sabha polls 2024: 'PM Modi used religion to ask voters...'
M.U.H
23/04/202449
The Congress approached the Election Commission on Monday with 16 complaints against the BJP — including the use of religious symbols during campaign and the uncontested victory of a BJP candidate from Gujarat. A delegation led by Abhishek Manu Singhvi also flagged recent remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “used religion to ask voters to refrain from voting for the INC".
“The important complaint deals with extremely objectionable comments of no less than the Chief Executive of this government...unfortunately, the statement we have quoted is seriously, ridiculously objectionable...we pray to him (PM Modi) with folded hands to withdraw this statement and to clarify…he has named a community, spoke about religion blatantly, he spoke about communal and community blatantly...he has clearly violated section 123...irrespective of the status of the person who has done this, appropriate action as in any other case, will and must follow shortly," he said.
The Election Commission however declined to comment on the ‘hate speech’ allegations against PM Modi. BJP leaders meanwhile defended PM Modi's remarks with party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asserting on Monday that it had “resonated with the people of the country".
The list of complaints also included the cancellation of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbani's nomination papers in Surat. BJP leader Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed ahead of the May 7 polls after all other candidates withdrew from the fray. Congress leaders however met the Chief Election Commissioner on Monday and called for the election process to be restarted as “wrong and undue influence" was being exerted.
"We have therefore requested the Election Commission to postpone the election in Surat and redo the election shorty to send a clear message that you cannot take advantage of this kind of wrong undue influence," Singhvi told reporters after the meeting.