EC gives clean chit to PM Modi's AIR address, says no violation of model code

New Delhi, Oct 10: The Election Commission on Friday gave clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's October 3 radio speech saying it doesn't violates model code of conduct.

Congress on Monday approached EC against Modi and accused him of "misusing state machinery" and "abusing authority" over the broadcast of his 'Mann ki Baat' address on All India Radio ahead of Assembly polls later this month.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath, AICC legal department secretary KC Mittal said the programme was broadcast on Oct. 3 in contravention of the instructions issued by EC after the model code of conduct for the upcoming Assembly polls had already come into force.

The party said that, when the model code is in force, the telecast/broadcast by political parties on Doordarshan or All India Radio can only be done as per the slot allotted to them by a draw of lots conducted by Prasar Bharti in consultation with EC.

Stating that Modi is the 'prime campaigner and only face' of BJP for the upcoming polls, Mittal alleged that the 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast was "part of the election campaign specially planned and designed for furtherance of the interest of the party (BJP) in power" by "misuse" of government machinery and personnel.

Earlier in April, during Lok Sabha polls, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal had moved EC over the issue of Modi's marital status. The Congress leader had sought action by the poll body against the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for "hiding" facts in election affidavits filed by him in the past.

OneIndia News