Maharashtra Former CM Prithviraj Chavan Slams ECI Over 2020 Code Violation by PM Modi, Vows Legal Action

Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deliberately avoiding action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a 2020 model code of conduct violation case, and said the party will move the court.

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"No one is above the law. If former PM Indira Gandhi and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray could face strict action for similar breaches, why is Narendra Modi being spared?" Chavan asked while addressing a media conference.

The incident dates back to December 28, 2020, when PM Modi, along with the then Railway and Agriculture Ministers, flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola (Maharashtra) to Shalimar (West Bengal).

At that time, gram panchayat elections were underway in Maharashtra, and the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching. The event was telecast across the country without the required permissions from the ECI or district authorities.

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The complaint, filed by Congress worker Prafull Kadam, was initially stalled by the ECI but later acknowledged as a breach of the code. However, the only action taken was a warning to the railway administration.

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Responding to Rajya Sabha member Ujjwal Nikam's recent remarks on 26/11 terror attack perpetrator Ajmal Kasab, Chavan said the terrorist was sentenced and hanged under the Congress rule through a proper judicial process.

On the controversy surrounding MP Praniti Shinde's alleged remarks on Operation Sindoor, Sapkal said her statement was misinterpreted.

"She never disrespected the armed forces. Her criticism was directed at the BJP's use of military imagery for political gain, including hoardings of Modi in uniform," he said.