An advocate, Anand S. Jondhale, has lodged a plea against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Delhi High Court, accusing him of breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during a recent speech in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. The plea contends that Modi sought votes in the name of religion and made remarks against political opponents, thereby violating electoral norms.
Jondhale argues that Modi's speech, where he allegedly invoked "god and place of worship" and made references to Hindu and Sikh deities while campaigning, violates the MCC, which prohibits activities that may exacerbate differences between communities or cause tension. Additionally, Modi's remarks against political rivals were deemed divisive and aimed at fostering disharmony.
The plea specifically points out Modi's assertions regarding the construction of the Ram Temple, development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, and removal of GST from materials used in Langars in Gurudwaras, as examples of violations. Furthermore, Modi's comments regarding the opposition parties' stance on issues concerning Muslims were cited as promoting animosity.
Despite approaching the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a request to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Modi under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and disqualify him from contesting elections, the petitioner alleges that the Commission took no action.
In contrast, Modi, during his election campaign in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, made region-specific promises and criticized the Congress and DMK over the issue of Katchatheevu, branding them as "sinners" for "ceding" the island to Sri Lanka. He also accused them of being "anti-national."
The petitioner seeks Modi's disqualification from contesting elections for six years, citing violations of the MCC and promoting enmity between groups. The matter awaits adjudication in the Delhi High Court.
Author: Anushka Taraniya
News Writer, MIT ADT University
