MNS using Modi posters for its rallies, BJP tells EC

The BJP Thursday complained to chief minister election commission V S Sampat that Raj Thackeray’s MNS was ‘misusing’ posters of Narendra Modi in their campaign rallies. A BJP delegation led by poll management chief Shrikant Bharatiya urged the EC to warn MNS against using the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Modi’s name and pictures in election rallies.

Bharatiya said, “MNS is not our alliance partner. However, MNS is using Modi’s pictures in their campaign rallies, which is unethical.” In a letter to the EC, BJP officials said, “The political parties which form the grand alliance include the BJP, Shiv Sena, Swabhinami Shetkari Sanghatana, Rashtriya Samaj Party and Republican Party of India.” Anybody other than these parties are political rivals and should be told not to use posters of Modi for seeking votes.”

The election commissioner has said he would look into the matter and take necessary steps, Bharatiya said. “BJP workers have complained to us against MNS using Modi banners in public meetings.”

However, a senior MNS leader said, “I am not sure why BJP should overreact. MNS chief Raj Thackeray has declared his party’s support for Modi.”

Shiv Sena candidates, too, have taken exception to MNS using Modi banners.

“In the past, MNS often used Bal Thackeray’s name and posters to win public support and consolidate its party. Now, they have started using Modi’s posters,” said a Sena leader.