CPI(M) leader writes to CEC on PM's remarks on Sabarimala

Nilotpal Basu writes to CEC claiming that the PM has violated the Model Code of Conduct by importing polarizing issues.

Kolkata: CPI(M) leader Nilotpal Basu has approached the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sunil Arora, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and was "vitiating the atmosphere" in the election campaign by "importing polarizing issues".

In a letter addressed to the CEC, Basu wrote, "We are constrained to again refer to an instance of flagrant violation of the MCC by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. To contextualize we had pointed out at the very outset, that the atmosphere is being vitiated in the election campaign by importing polarizing issues. Narendra Modi's statements in election rallies in Ramanathapuram in Theni in Tamilnadu and Bangalore in Karnataka on 13th April are emphatic pointers to this trend."

Giving an example of how PM Modi is violating MCC and also implicitly challenging the order of the EC to refrain from using Sabarimala temple and Lord Ayyappa in the campaign, Basu said, "While addressing the Theni (Tamil Nadu) rally, he (PM Modi) asserted that the Communists and the Muslim League of playing a dangerous game on Sabarimala and initiating 'to strike at the root of faith'. "

He asserted that 'as long as there is BJP none can destroy our faith.' The letter goes on to state that the Left Democratic Party (LDF) government in Kerala was not standing "against faith" on the Sabarimala issue but was simply "implementing" the orders received from the Supreme Court.

"Bringing in the question of faith and accusing the LDF government in Kerala, the Prime Minister was trying to appeal to the people belonging to the 'faith' and which is clearly against MCC, as well as, your specific order," the letter reads.

Through the letter, Basu has urged the EC to take strict action against PM Modi.