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Journalism of Courage
The Congress Wednesday congratulated the Election Commission over registration of an FIR, on its directive, against Narendra Modi after the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate prominently displayed his party’s election symbol and held a press conference after casting his vote.
The BJP, however, played safe on the issue, saying it respects the Election Commission and will abide by its decision.
“We respect the EC. It is a constitutional body. We will await the EC verdict and will abide by it. According to us, Mr Modi did not violate the Model Code of Conduct as no press conference was held… this was an event where reporters asked him something… he was not at a polling booth. When EC sends a notice we will respond. Also on the FIR, we will address it… it is a technical issue,” BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said.
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “The BJP respects the Election Commission and any direction by the Commission about filing of FIR against Narendra Modi will have to abide by the process of law. However, as per our information, Narendra Modi was beyond the prohibited 100 metres from the polling booth and the media has got every right to seek an answer from a political leader after he casts his vote, who in all probability is going to become the Prime Minister of India.”
The Congress hailed the poll panel for the action taken against Modi. “I am happy that someone has registered an FIR in the case. Had it not been the EC, an FIR against Modi would not have been registered. I congratulate EC that a Constitutional and institutional authority has registered the FIR,” Law Minister and Congress leader Kapil Sibal said. He also took a dig at Modi saying he was surprised that a person, who is a candidate for the country’s top post, would come out of the polling booth and do such a thing. ENS & PTI
