BJP leaders in Election Commission net for violating Model Code of Conduct

NEW DELHI: Election authorities in Uttar Pradesh have booked certain BJP leaders in Lakhimpur Kheri district for alleged enticement of voters during a "Chai Pe Charcha with NaMo" as they were found distributing free tea to the public in violation of the Model Code.

Top Election officials said a case was registered at Kotwali police station of Mohammadi in Lakhimpur Kheri district under IPC against certain local BJP leaders.

Sources said the BJP leaders had sought permission for holding the 'Chai Pe Charcha' programme on March 8 at a tea stall in the area and the state's Chief Electoral Officer had granted permission for the same.

UP Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha said permission was granted for the event which should take place as per the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. Poll officials, however, reported that free tea was served to participants of the discussion, which was construed as bribing of voters.

"There is no ban on holding of such events with prior permission of the concerned district poll authorities. But anything which is in violation of the Model Code of Conduct would not be permitted at such events and apropriate action would be taken in cases of violation," Sinha told PTI.

He said anything which is distributed free by political parties will be construed as an attempt to entice voters. Asked about the EC action, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said at the party briefing that while the party would examine the poll panel's action, he urged EC to consider new campaigning styles in sync with the changing times.