BJP clarifies to EC, amends manifesto for MP poll

Bhopal, Nov 25 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party had replied to the Election Commission notice regarding the inclusion of photographs of government officers in its manifesto for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections and an amended manifesto, deleting the disputed photographs had been issued, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said here today.

''BJP leader Shriramakrishna had submitted the reply to the EC yesterday. After deleting the disputed photographs, the amended manifesto had also been issued,'' she told reporters while winding up the party's pre-poll briefing. However, copies of the amended manifesto were not distributed to reporters.

When asked why the BJP was being served the maximum notices by the Election Commission for violating the election code, Ms Swaraj justified it, saying the reason was that it was the largest party.

Besides, the Commission was more cautious this time, she added.

The Madhya Pradesh Congress had lodged a complaint with the commission regarding inclusion of photographs of senior IAS and IPS officers along with the Chief Minister in the BJP's manifesto. The Commission, taking cognizance of it, had issued a notice to BJP and fixed a hearing for today.

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