The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Trinamool Congress lodges a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing PM Modi of misusing government resources for campaign purposes in violation of the model code of conduct.
In a formal grievance lodged with the Election Commission, the Trinamool Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of breaching the model code of conduct. This complaint, spearheaded by TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien, pertains to an incident where Modi, contesting from Varanasi as the BJP’s candidate, allegedly utilized central government funds for electoral campaigning. According to O’Brien, a communique authored by Modi on March 15—post the enforcement of the electoral code—was disseminated among voters, highlighting his administration’s achievements.
O’Brien’s contention is that this mass distribution of the letter, ostensibly under the government’s banner, was a direct appeal to voters, championing both the BJP and Modi, thereby contravening the Election Commission’s guidelines. He has called upon the Commission to impose restrictions on such future endeavors by the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate, advocating for the retraction of the letter. Furthermore, he suggests the expenses incurred in the letter’s distribution be recorded under Modi and the BJP’s “election expenditure”.
In response, BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya dismissed the allegations as baseless, pointing to Derek O’Brien’s active social media engagement as an outlet for these claims. Bhattacharya asserts that such accusations, lacking in substance, will not detract from the BJP’s popularity, underscored by Modi’s governance and people-friendly policies. He confidently stated that the TMC’s lack of resonance with the electorate will be evident post-election, affirming that the Prime Minister’s Office adhered to all regulatory mandates.
