Comments by PM Modi raking up the Balakot air strike during an election rally in Maharashtra’s Latur is a prima facie violation of the poll code, the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Osmanbad has reportedly said.
The Indian Express reported that the DEO has submitted a report to the Maharashtra chief electoral officer over the Prime Minister’s appeal to voters to “dedicate their votes to the brave soldiers who carried out the Balakot air strike and the brave soldiers martyred in the Pulwama terror attack.”
PM Modi’s appeal goes against the Election Commission’s directive prohibiting the use of armed forces for political gains.
The publication reported that the prime minister’s remarks have been forwarded to the Election Commission and a final decision will be taken by the poll body. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has filed a complaint before the Election Commission seeking action against PM Modi.
During the rally, PM Modi had said, “I want to tell my first-time voters: Can your first vote be dedicated to the brave soldiers who carried out the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan? I want to tell my first-time voters: Can your first vote be dedicated to the braves martyred in Pulwama?” reported The Indian Express.
The publication reported that the Election Commission is likely to decide on the matter this week.
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