The CPI(M) today complained to the Election Commission, saying the NDA Government was misusing public money with its ‘India Shining’ campaign in order to generate the ‘‘feelgood factor’’ among the electorate prior to the Lok Sabha elections. CPI(M) leaders S.R. Pillai and Sitaram Yechuri submitted government documents to the EC to support the party’s claim that the Centre has flouted norms to misuse public office and the exchequer with an eye on the polls. Quoting a letter written by the DAVP director to the joint secretary, MEA, and another by Sudheendra Kulkarni, OSD to the PM, to the DAVP to release full-page ads worth Rs 1.5 crore each, the Left leaders said: ‘‘Communications between the PMO and the DAVP director prove that the ministries have no say whatsoever in finalising this ad blitz.’’ The party also alleged that ‘‘the PMO’s correspondence reveals that an extended list of publications which are to be sent the ads was also discussed’’. It also raised questions about the manner in which the DD News channel was launched in a hurry with ‘‘the elections in mind’’. Against the ‘‘the norm of getting regular government staff from the Indian Information Service, a major responsibility to shape the channel was bestowed on a consulting editor-cum-anchor recruited on contract for a three-year period’’, Yechuri said. Meanwhile, a delegation of leaders belonging to Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu met the EC today and expressed concern about the Commission’s move to allow alternative identification certificates to cast votes.
