Do laws apply to PM Modi or not? Cong files complaint with EC over poll code violation

A day before the polling in 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, the Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of violating the model code of conduct.

In the complaint, the Congress has highlighted a video shared by the Prime Minister on his Twitter account and referred to the live interviews of other BJP leaders during the "silence period."

"The Election Commission of India must take immediate note of this and initiate appropriate proceedings against Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Amit Shah, Shri JP Nadda, Shri Yogi Adityanath and the BJP party," the letter written by the Congress to the EC read.

"It may be mentioned that if convicted under Section 126 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, these leaders will stand disqualified from their respective membership in the Parliament as well as the legislative assembly," it added.

Sharing the complaint letter, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala questioned whether the electoral laws do not apply to the Prime Minister.

"If Prime Minister flouts electoral laws & code of conduct for elections with impunity, brazenly and in utter disregard of #ECI directives, If Prime Minister refuses to so much even recognise the authority of Law and the ECI directives, If Prime Minister flouts the "silence period" defined in Law as inapplicable to him, If Prime Minister attempts to influence voters for electoral gains during the prohibited period, Should the ECI remain a mute and helpless spectator or act on its Constitutional Duty under Article 324 of the Constitution of India?" he wrote on Twitter.

Calling it a "litmus test" for the EC, Surjewala said, "Our Complaint to ECI on flagrant and defiant violations by Prime Minister Modi urging them to take action or be historically remembered for inaction and diluting the authority of ECI forever," he said.

PM Modi's Video
In a "message to the voters" of Karnataka, the PM in the video said, "You have always showered me with love and affection. It feels like a divine blessing to me. 'Ee Baariya Nirdhara, Bahumatada BJP Sarkara" this call of the people of Karnataka is still echoing in my ears.

In our Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, we Indians have aimed to make our beloved country a developed nation. Karnataka is keen to lead the movement to realise this vision. India is the world's fifth-largest economy. Our next aim is to reach the top three. This is possible only when Karnataka rapidly grows to become a $1 trillion economy. You have witnessed the work of the Double Engine BJP government over the last 3.5 years. Our decisive, focused and futuristic policies are imparting momentum to the growth of Karnataka's economy."

The Prime Minister stated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Karnataka has received over Rs 90,000 crore annually as foreign investment under the BJP government. He pointed out that it was just around Rs 30,000 crore under the previous government. "This shows the BJP's commitment to Karnataka's progress and to a bright future for the youth," he added.