New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday filed a formal complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "shocking and reprehensible manner" in which the PM appealed for votes "on the basis of religion" in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
The complaint was filed under Representation of People Act, Model Code of Conduct and Supreme Court judgement Abhiram Singh vs CD Commachen.
"This is to bring to your attention a shocking and unfortunate issue that has come to our notice," the complaint read. It further mentioned that PM Modi launched his election campaign in Tamil Nadu by addressing a public meeting at Salem.
"…during his speech, Mr. Modi has appealed for votes along religious lines, which is not only a corrupt practice as per The Representation of the People Act, 1951, but also in contravention of the Model Code of Conduct," it added.
Further, it also mentioned PM Modi’s quote where he said, "INDIA alliance is repeatedly and deliberately insulting Hinduism. They are planting thoughts against Hinduism. They don’t speak against other religions. But whenever they get a chance, they insult Hinduism without wasting a second. How can we tolerate this? How can we allow this?"
"The brazen and unabashed comments made by Mr. Modi are not only a deliberate attack on our secular Republic, but is also against the ethos of a free and fair electioneering process. Mr. Modi has intentionally tapped into the electorates’ religious sentiments to garner votes for the BJP," TMC said.
The party urged the poll body to issue appropriate direction to PM Modi and the BJP to refrain from appealing to voters in the future on the basis of religion, issue appropriate direction(s) to the PM and the BJP to render an apology and withdraw the statements made in Salem on March 20 and issue any further order/direction as may be deemed fit and necessary.
What PM Modi said
Addressing a public rally in Tamil Nadu’s Salem on Tuesday, PM Modi hit out at the INDIA bloc allies including Congress and DMK and accused them of deliberately insulting Hinduism and the followers of Hindu faith. PM Modi also lashed out at the INDIA bloc for their opposition and condemnation of ‘Shakti’.
"Leaders of INDIA alliance are intentionally insulting Hinduism and their statements are also well-planned and thought of. Congress and DMK, in particular don’t hesitate in denigrating Hinduism with their profane remarks, as they are not so generous for other beliefs and religions," said PM Modi at the rally, attended by thousands of supporters.
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