ECI orders petrol pumps to remove PM Modi’s hoardings

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given petrol pumps 72 hours to remove hoardings with photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

The directive was issued by the Election Commission after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) complained to it about the use of PM Modi's picture in Covid-19 vaccination campaign posters and videos.

 

ECI has also directed authorities to remove the photos of MP Modi from publicity materials used for the vaccination drive within 72 hours.

 

According to the poll panel the election model code of conduct (MCC) is violated, because the prime minister Narendra Modi’s portrait is used in hoardings that promote the central government's schemes at petrol pumps.

 

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The MCC has come into force in last Friday when the ECI announced dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

 

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) too had moved the Election Commission alleging that two West Bengal ministers promised certain benefits to voters in separate incidents after the MCC came into force.

 

The party urged the election commission to bare the TMC leaders from contesting the upcoming assembly elections.

 

However, the TMC  has denied these charges.