Cong moves EC against 'objectionable' BJP ads

The Congress on Thursday moved the Election Commission (EC) demanding immediate action against the BJP for issuing “objectionable” advertisements featuring Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“The advertisements are not only a direct violation of the Model Code of Conduct, but is also a criminal act. They are a clear violation of the criminal law in India. We will also file a criminal complaint and lodge an FIR under the criminal law,” senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said after submitting a memorandum to the Commission.

The delegation comprised Singhvi, senior leaders Rajiv Shukla, Pramod Tewari, Praveen Davar among others.

They alleged the advertisements aimed to “vitiate and communalise” the atmosphere in Karnataka a week before the state assembly elections and demanded a ban on them immediately.

Singhvi said the EC officials heard them patiently and took the issue seriously. “The EC has assured us of looking into the issue and, action,” he said.

“This is clearly a sign of defeat by the BJP and of their frustration,” Singhvi claimed.

Shukla alleged that the BJP was portraying Rahul and Siddharamaiah as murderers, which was a criminal offence.