PM Modi's Balakot comment during rally violated code: Report
Prima facie the comments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Latur, where he asked first-time voters to vote for army men who carried out the Balakot strikes, violated the Model Code of Conduct, a report in IE claimed. The Election Commission had issued a directive asking all parties to refrain from using references to the Army for their campaign. Here's what happened.
Can your first vote be dedicated to soldiers, he asked
During a rally in Maharashtra's Latur, PM Modi had a message for first-time voters. "Can your first vote be dedicated to the soldiers who conducted the Balakot air strikes? Can your first vote be in the name of the martyrs who lost their lives in Pulwama," he asked the gathering. PM Modi also said India changed its policy and eliminated terrorists at their homes.
EC sought report from Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer
As his comment led to hue and cry, EC asked the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra to submit a report. According to IE, the Osmanabad District Election Officer (DEO) gave his report to Maharashtra's CEO. The DEO underlined that PM Modi's comments violated MCC. The final decision, however, rests with the EC. A decision is expected this week.
PM Modi may have to explain his comments
If EC agrees with DEO's submission, then PM Modi will have to explain his comments. The polling watchdog has not only asked leaders to keep a check on the words they use but has also stopped them from using pictures of defense personnel for their campaign. EC clarified that the Army belonged to the entire nation and should be kept apolitical.
Previously, Amarinder Singh wrote to EC about PM Modi's comments
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh shot off a letter to EC asking it to act against PM Modi. Singh said Balakot comments of PM Modi were "disgraceful". "That a person of the stature of Prime Minister should indulge in such shameful acts makes a mockery of the democratic process of election and undermines the independence of the Election Commission," he wrote.
BJP leaders showed no qualms in milking Army's successes
Balakot strikes, which the IAF carried out before dawn on February 26, has found a place in BJP's campaigns, despite clear instructions from EC. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to Indian Army as Modiji ki sena. His comment had sparked a widespread row. Subsequently, EC warned Adityanath asking him to choose his words wisely.
Separately, Goa minister said PM Modi sent "his air force"
On Wednesday, another controversy was triggered when Goa Minister Mauvin Godinho said PM Modi sent "his air force" to kill terrorists. "Pakistan used to scare us with a dummy, saying they had nuclear weapons. Modiji called its bluff. What did he show? By dispatching his air force, terrorists were killed by crossing the border," Godinho said. He claimed PM Modi showed India's strength.
