Shiv Sena files complaint against Sushilkumar Shinde with EC

Nagpur, Apr 3 (UNI) The Shiv Sena has lodged a complaint with the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra against Union Minister for Power Sushilkumar Shinde for allegedly making announcements aimed at influencing the voters in Ramtek Lok Sabha constituency in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, where a by-election is being held on April 9.

According to the complaint lodged by Shiv Sena General Secretary Subhash Desai, Mr Shinde told reporters here yesterday that the 1,000 megawatt (MW) thermal power project of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Mauda in Nagpur district was in the final stage and that an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) would be appointed soon with an office in Nagpur (to monitor the implementation of the project).

The announcement was clearly aimed to enhance the electoral prospects of the Congress party and its candidate, Subodh Mohite, when the campaigning has reached the final stage in Ramtek, Mr Desai said in the complaint, a copy of which was released to the press here today.

''Subodh Mohite has made the Mauda project his main election promise as revealed in various advertisements (that have) appeared in local newspapers,'' he said and added Mr Shinde, a responsible minister of the Central government, had, thus, 'severely violated' the electoral code of conduct now in force in Nagpur district.

The complaint has also objected to Mr Shinde's use of the VIP Room at the Nagpur Airport to 'address the media about election issues.' An offence should be registered against Mr Shinde and Mr Mohite for violation of the code of conduct, he added.

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