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Mainstream, VOL LVIII No 47, New Delhi, November 7, 2020

Letter to Election Commission of India - Violation of Model Code of Conduct by PM Modi | Binoy Viswam

Sunday 8 November 2020, by Binoy Viswam

#socialtags

DOCUMENT

Binoy Viswam
Member of Parliament (Raja Sabha)
116, North Avenue New Delhi - 110 001
Mob: 96057667022 E-mail: binoyviswam55[at]gmail.com

To
Shri Sunil Arora
Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India

Respected Shri Sunil Arora ji,

Date: 02.11.2020

It has been reported by various news organizations that an egregious violation of the Model Code of Conduct has been committed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in October 2020. It is alleged that the Prime Minister’s office in a newsletter sent via the official PR email id of the PMO, has solicited funds for the work of the Bhartiya Janata Party. In its newsletter sent on 21st Oct 2020, the PMO has made an advertisement stating “ Support those who put India first. Support BJP through Micro-Donations”, on clicking on this link one is redirected to another page that solicits funds ranging from 5 rupees to 1000 rupees for the BJP.

While such misuse of power and position is condemnable at all times, it becomes particularly egregious given that the MCC came into effect for the Bihar elections on 25th September 2020. Chapter 7 of the MCC on ‘Party in Power’ clearly states that the Government machinery and offices shall not be used for furtherance of the interest of the party in power. The soliciting of funds for the BJP via the office of the Prime Minister is a prima facie violation of the MCC.

To ensure the conduct of free and fair elections is the primary objective of the Election Commission. It is incumbent upon the EC to investigate the said matter and take necessary action if any violation of the MCC has taken place. It is my hope that the investigation into the same will be conducted expeditiously and in an unpartisan manner.

Yours sincerely

Binoy Viswam
Leader of CPI Parliamentary Group & Secretary, National Council

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