Election Commission has sought a report from district officials over BJP leader Narendra Modi’s allegation that wrist watches with pictures of Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram were being distributed to voters in Tamil Nadu but no formal complaint had been received so far.
“We have seen that (allegation made by Mr. Modi). We have sought a report from the district Collector. It is only an allegation (which is) not backed with proof,” State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Praveen Kumar said in Chennai. He said no formal complaint has been received about the alleged distribution of the watches.
Addressing an election rally in Ramanathapuram on Thursday, Mr. Modi had said he was showed a watch with Mr. Chidambaram’s picture and Congress’ ‘Hand’ symbol which he said were being distributed to voters and urged the EC to take the matter ‘seriously’ and probe it.
Mr. Chidambaram’s son Karti is contesting from the adjoining Sivaganga district going to polls on April 24.
To a question on Mr. Modi holding a political rally in an educational institution in Chennai last week, Mr. Kumar said the Returning Officer (RO) has sent a report saying the meeting was held at short notice and security reasons were also considered.
Since the college was closed for summer vacations, students were not affected but the report has been sent to the Election Commission for further consideration, Mr. Kumar added. With the campaign in the State set to end on April 22, the deadline also applied to online campaign which included those through SMS and social platforms, he said adding that permission has been obtained for Rs.8.23 crore worth such campaign material. Further, 24 hour recording of 13 TV channels was also on.
To a question, he said a total of over 1.94 lakh instances of violation of Model Code of Conduct has come to the EC’s notice and 2,727 cases have been filed. A total of Rs. 39 crore in cash and material have been seized in the State so far, he said.
