Setback for Narendra Modi, free tea at Chai Pe Charcha banned

New Delhi, March 11: In a setback for

and his party -- Bharatiya Janata Party (

), Election Commission of India banned free tea given at Chai Pe Charcha programme. UP chief election officer (CEO) Umesh Sinha on Monday, March 10 claimed that distribution of team for free of cost at the programme is violation of model code of conduct.

Speaking about Election Commission's decision of banning tea for free of cost, Umesh Sinha said, ...directives have been issued not to allow distribution of tea during the programme free of cost."

The Chief Election Officer (CEO) also claimed that they have received reports saying BJP held Chai Pe Charcha programme at the city without taking proper permission.

Tea for free of cost amounts to violation of model code of conduct

BJP chief in Uttar Pradesh -- Laxmikant Bajpayee claimed that they have not received any such directives from the election commission. He, however, claimed that party will follow all instructions given by the commission.

Bajpayee, meanwhile, asserted that many people have been ignoring violation of conduct by Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) in the state.

He said, "SP, BSP and Congress are afraid of BJP's programme," and also added, "I will write a letter to the EC and ask why no action was taken on the distribution of digital diary to reporters at the SP office in Lucknow on Monday."

Speaking about their possible next move, Bajpayee said, "If the party continues to hold 'Chai pe charcha' with Modi programme, the gathering would be asked to purchase a cup of tea for Rs 5 or not to drink tea but participate in the charcha."

OneIndia News