EC unlikely to take action for roadshow

The Election Commission (EC) is unlikely to take action on complaints against Narendra Modi for holding a roadshow while filing his nomination in Varanasi and the live telecast of the event by several news channels.

The poll panel decision came after it felt that these actions did not amount to violation of the model code of conduct. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) filed a complaint before the commission stating that Modi spent Rs 6 crore for the roadshow and this should be treated as violation of the expenditure limit. 

The Congress filed a separate complaint demanding registration of an FIR against Modi dubbing it a “flagrant violation” of the model code of conduct as news channels telecasted the roadshow and the filing of nomination papers on April 24 when polling was held in 117 constituencies.

However, sources in the EC told Deccan Herald that no action can be taken against Modi on both the complaints as it does not amount to violation of the model code of conduct by the candidate. 

As the candidates expenditure counts only after the nomination is filed, spending of money before the filing of nomination would be treated as party’s expenditure. Interestingly, there is no limit on expenditure for the party.