NEW DELHI: A two-member delegation of the CPI(M) on Monday held a full meeting of the Election Commission against the BJP, accusing the party of “inciting communal tension” and “spreading falsehoods”. We discussed the accusations of violation of poll regulations that were filed by the government.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the committee assured the delegation that action would be taken on the complaints filed by the party.
“The delegation has made a complaint filed by the CPI(M) against the BJP campaign chief and other party leaders for inciting communal tension, spreading falsehoods and distorting facts to polarize voters. The aim was to highlight various grievances,” reported in X.
“Furthermore, the delegation expressed concerns about the role of certain television news channels and media outlets,” the party said.
CPI(M) Politburo member Subashini Ali and Central Secretariat member Muralidharan were part of the delegation that met the Election Commission (EC).
Party officials have so far addressed the poll panel, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at a rally in Banswara, Rajasthan, and recent remarks by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and union minister Anurag Thakur. It said it had raised the concerns mentioned in the letter.
Speaking at a rally in Banswara on April 21, Prime Minister Modi had suggested that the Congress would “redistribute” wealth to Muslims if it came to power.
He also claimed that Congress was planning to give away people’s hard-earned money and valuables to “infiltrators” and “those who gave birth to more children.”
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury wrote to the EC on April 22, alleging that this is a violation of Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act and the Model Code of Conduct.
He had asked the poll panel to immediately initiate legal action against Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The CPI(M) also demanded that an FIR be filed for “inciting communal passions and hatred”.
Yechury had written to the EC on Sunday condemning Thakur, who had made similar remarks at a rally in Himachal Pradesh.
He said it was unfortunate that the EC refused to acknowledge such violations even though they were widely reported in the media.
He also said that unless the EC acts decisively, public trust in the Commission, as well as the entire process, will be undermined.
Officials added that the use of Ram temple and religion to seek votes was also raised by the poll committee in Monday’s meeting. The delegation was assured that action would be taken in response to the complaints.
In a letter to the EC on April 13, the CPI(M) said that Prime Minister Modi had referred to the consecration of the Ayodhya temple and criticized the opposition parties, labeling them as “opponents of Ram”. A case study was taken up. temple”, “against Lord Ram”, “insulting Lord Ram”.
(issued April 29, 2024, 16:56 IST)
