Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel files poll code violation complaint against Modi
Raipur, Apr 09: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday lodged a complaint of alleged poll code violation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making statements about the Army and surgical strikes during his public meeting held in Balod district of the state on April 6.
Baghel, who also holds the post of state Congress president, reached the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Subrat Sahoo along with senior party leaders and handed over the written complaint.
The CM also submitted an audio CD of the PM's speech to Sahoo. The complaint claimed that the prime minister had violated the model code of conduct five times during his speech.
"While
Modi
ji
didn't
mention
about
any
of
the
development
work
done
during
his
five
year
tenure
but
he
continued
patting
his
own
back
by
highlighting
the
valour
and
courage
of
the
Indian
army.
He
tried
to
gain
political
benefit
and
win
votes
during
the
election
meeting
by
displaying
the
courage
of
the
Army,"
the
complaint
stated.
It further said the lines of Modi's speech were focused "only on the Army, the surgical strike, the air strike, and repealing 'Raksha Kawach' of Army etc."
"Modi also claimed that the BJP has been contesting the elections to strengthen the Indian military while the Congress is fighting the elections to weaken it, which is irrelevant and an attempt to take mileage in the name of the Army," Baghel stated.
He stated that the Prime Minister tried to "mislead" the audience.
"There
is
a
guideline
of
the
Election
Commission
against
politicising
the
achievements
of
the
armed
forces
by
political
parties.
No
political
party
can
highlight
the
achievements
of
the
armed
forces
as
its
personal
work
but
PM
Modi
used
it
many
times
during
his
speech
which
is
a
violation
of
MCC
(Model
Code
of
Conduct),"
it
said.
In his rally which was held at Hathuad in Balod district, the Prime Minister had made a pitch for a "strong government" at the Centre.
He had said the Congress and its allies were contesting elections for giving a free hand to terrorists and separatists, while the BJP is contesting to punish terrorists and separatists for their sins.
"Congress and its allies are contesting the election to weaken the armed forces, while the BJP is fighting to make the armed forces self-reliant," he had said.
The PM had also called the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act a "Suraksha Kavach" (armour) of the security forces, and slammed the Congress for "promising to repeal it in its dhakosla patra (sham manifesto)".
Meanwhile, the BJP has termed the complaint against Modi as a "political stunt".
"What is wrong if the PM praised the Indian army for its courage and valour. It is a matter of pride for the people of the country that the Indian army has conducted air strikes on terror camps (in Pakistan). Congress' complaint is nothing but just a political stunt and a show off," said state BJP spokesperson Sachchidanand Upasane.