EC wants BJP reply on petition against yatra

The Election Commission today sought the BJP’s reply to a petition against Uma Bharati’s Tiranga Yatra, asking why it should not be treated as a violation of the model code of conduct as it uses the national flag for a political campaign.

The Commission received a complaint from a Mumbai-based advocate which was forwarded to the BJP. ‘‘They have to reply within a week, the Commission will take further action on the basis of the reply,’’ an EC source said.

The petitioner cited Section 23 of the model code which tantamounts to ‘‘corrupt practices’’. Bharati’s yatra entered Maharashtra on August 12 and will leave the state for Madhya Pradesh on August 18.

BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, however, said the party was yet to receive a notice from the EC. ‘‘But the Tiranga is being politicised by those who want to use it for their own self-interest,’’ he said. Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled on October 13.