
NASHIK, AUG 19: A cutout of Prime Minister Vajpayee saluting jawans against the backdrop of mountain peaks covered with snow, has raised heckles within the local Mahila Congress.
Vice-president of the Nashik Mahila Congress Julie D8217;Souza has filed a complaint with the district election officer, demanding the immediate removal of the hoarding on grounds that the BJP was using the Kargil issue for gaining mileage in the forthcoming polls. The hoarding has been displayed at the busy Ravivar Karanja area near Siddhi Vinayak temple.
In her letter, she had pointed out that the hoarding, which depicted Vajpayee saluting three jawans in the background was being misused by the BJP, which had appended the party symbol on the hoarding. She had alleged that the BJP was using jawans for political benefits and that it was a violation of the model code of conduct for elections. The party has also painted the words: Hame Aap Par Garva Hein, Sara Hindustan Aapke Saath Hein on the hoarding.
The districtcollectorate sent a reply to D8217;Souza yesterday August 17 stating that the hoarding had merely congratulated Indian jawans. The letter further stated that any individual, institution, organisation or party had every right to congratulate or pay respect to the Indian Army and hence her complaint had been recorded.
The Nashik Mahila Congress has now decided to complain to the Chief Election Commissioner.