‘Remove PM Modi’s images from public places ahead of LS polls’: Pune activists send legal notice to ECI

The notice said that displaying PM Narendra Modi’s pictures, along with that of Maharashtra’s deputy CMs, would violate the Model Code of Conduct as the prime minister is a star campaigner of the BJP.

The notice said that displaying PM Modi’s images along with that of Maharashtra’s two deputy chief ministers, would violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as the prime minister is a star campaigner of the ruling BJP. (PTI Photo)

Pune-based lawyer Asim Sarode and environmentalist Vishwambhar Choudhary have sent a legal notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) asking it to remove pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from all public, government and semi-government places to ensure free and fair campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls.

In the notice, sent on Saturday, they have asked the ECI to direct all government and semi-government bodies to remove pictures of PM Modi from offices, airports, airplanes, railway stations, trains, metros, bus stations, bus stops, state government-run buses and other places.

The notice said that displaying PM Modi’s images along with that of Maharashtra’s two deputy chief ministers, would violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as the prime minister is a star campaigner of the ruling BJP. “We suggest that the Election Commission gives direction to the offices to cover the pictures of the prime minster in the most appropriate manner,” it said. The model code prohibits the use of the public exchequer for advertisements. The ruling party is also prohibited from using its position to campaign.

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Under the banner of the Nirbhay Bano Manch, Sarode and Choudhary have been actively touring Maharashtra to campaign against what they say is the misrule of the BJP. The body has already conducted numerous public lectures across the state.

The 18th Lok Sabha elections will be held across the country from April 19 to June 1 and Maharashtra will vote in five phases with the last one scheduled on May 20.

Parthasarathi Biswas

Partha Sarathi Biwas is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express with 10+ years of experience in reporting on Agriculture, Commodities and Developmental issues. He has been with The Indian Express since 2011 and earlier worked with DNA. Partha's report about Farmers Producer Companies (FPC) as well long pieces on various agricultural issues have been cited by various academic publications including those published by the Government of India. He is often invited as a visiting faculty to various schools of journalism to talk about development journalism and rural reporting. In his spare time Partha trains for marathons and has participated in multiple marathons and half marathons. ... Read More

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