The Congress has approached the Election Commission against an advertisement released by the BJP as part of its Karnataka poll campaign. The Congress said the advertisement has been wilfully issued by the BJP with the intention of “consolidating votes on basis of religion”.
Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that the advertisements were “highly objectionable”. “They are highly objectionable not only because they are a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct but they are clear violations of the criminal law of India, against provisions that are extended to prevent inflammatory, provocative, divisive and personal enmity between groups. These kinds of attempts to gain electorally are happening in a brazen manner. We have demanded the Election Commission that immediate stoppage (on such advertisments),” Singhvi said.
He said The Congress’ Karnataka unit will file an FIR under criminal law against the advertisements.
In the complaint, the Congress said the advertisements were published across various newspapers in Karnataka with an intention to malign the image of its President Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shadow images of both leaders were allegedly used in the advertisements. “Through these advertisements the Karnataka BJP has explicitly made baseless, unsubstantiated, vague and scandalous allegations and remarks,” the complaint said.
“These advertisements have been issued knowingly and willfully with the intention of consolidating votes on basis of religion and to gain electoral advantage over other political parties. In view of the above, it is also just and necessary for this Commission to take cognizance of these illegal and unlawful acts and prosecute responsible bodies and individuals in accordance with law,” the Congress demanded.
It has urged the poll panel to take action against the BJP, including direction for registration of offences for the violation of Model Code of Conduct, Section 123(2), 123(3A), 123(4) & 125 of Representation of People Act, 1951 and Section 171G of Indian Penal Code. It said action should also be taken against the members of the Media certification and Monitoring Committee for permitting the BJP to use cut-outs, shadow images and likeness of Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah to make “baseless and scandalous statements”.
“It is clear from the shameful contents of these advertisements that there has been a dereliction of duty and the Election Commission should also take strict action against the officials who authorised the publishing of such advertisements (if these were authorised at all). If they weren't submitted for approval then strict action should be taken not just against Karnataka BJP but also against the publishers of the newspapers where they have appeared,” the complaint said.