The Maharashtra Congress has demanded cancellation of the nomination of the ruling BJP candidate from Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency Nitin Gadkari for allegedly violating Model Code of Conduct by using Lord Shri Ram’s posters to influence voters. In a letter written to State Chief Election Officer (CEO) on Tuesday, Maharashtra Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londe alleged that Mr Gadkari had “utilised” posters featuring Lord Shree Ram in an attempt to influence voters on religious grounds, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). “Such tactics are not only unethical but also deeply divisive, aiming to polarize voters along religious lines,” he stated.
“..the said posters have been used to spread hatred against the Congress party, indicating a clear violation of the MCC's provisions against spreading animosity based on political affiliations,” Londe stated.
“In light of the serious infraction, I urge you to take immediate and decisive action, including the cancellation of Mr. Nitin Gadkari's candidature and the imposition of appropriate penalties on the BJP,” Londe wrote in his complaint lodged with the State CEO.
In a statement issued separately, Londe charged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) “is not taking any action against the ruling BJP” even when its leaders flouted all the rules. “The government machinery has become a puppet of the BJP. The ECI is running away from the responsibility,” it said.
