BJP complains to EC against Arjun Modhwadia’s remarks on Modi

Ahmedabad, 24 November 2013

The BJP has complained to the Election Commission against Gujarat Congress president Arjun Modhwadia for violation of the model code of conduct. This complain is in connection with Modhwadia’s remarks in Surat last week while inaugurating the election office of Congress candidate for Surat(west) assembly by-election.

Due to by-poll next month, model code of conduct is effective in Surat(west) assembly constituency area. The BJP has asked election commission to take action against Modhwadia under Indian Penal Code. Modhwadia had in his speech described Modi as BJP’s ‘lafrabaj’ candidate for PM post.

Following is full text of BJP’s complain before the Chief Electoral Officer – Gujarat and The Returning Officer for 167-Surat West assembly bye-election.

Subject:Violation of the model code of conduct and the Indian penal code 1973 by Mr. Arjun Modhvadia in his public speech at Surat.

1. The election commission of India has declared the bye-election for 167-Surat West Assembly Constituency in the State of Gujarat for the year 2013. A notification has been issued under the provisions of the representation of People’s act 1951 in this behalf on 09.11.2013. As a result of the fact that a notification has been issued for the aforesaid election, the model code of conduct is made applicable to the concerned Assembly Constituency. All the political parties as well as the government that is the central as well as the State government have to abide by the guidelines of the election commission of India.

2. It is pertinent to note that Mr. Arjun Modhvadia, while giving a political public speech in the inaugural function of election office of said constituency made personal attack on personal character of Honorable Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi by addressing him as a “LAFRABAJ”. Said phrase it self is used for the bad/loose character of a person.

3. It is therefore submitted that the aforesaid statements made by Mr Modhvadia adding actual contravention of the provisions of the model code of conduct which specifically mentions that any political party or any leader of a political party should refrain himself or itself from making any personal comments against any rival political party or any leader of the said party. In addition thereto the comments made by Mr Modhvadia are against the person of an individual and hence the provisions of chapter 9 of the Indian penal code 1973 are hereby attracted. The election commission is required to take a serious note of the aforesaid statements which have been made by Mr Modhvadia. Also the election commission is required to lodge an FIR before the concerned police station under the provisions of chapter 9 of the Indian penal code.