Why was Modi spared? Prithviraj Chavan questions SEC over code of conduct breach
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct in 2020, but the State Election Commission (SEC) has been evasive in taking any action on the complaint.
While the commission acknowledged a violation, it only issued a warning to the Railway Administration without acting against Modi. "When strict action was taken against former PM Indira Gandhi and Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, why is Narendra Modi being spared? No one is above the law," said Chavan, adding that he would approach the High Court regarding the matter.
What happened in 2020?
At a press conference at Tilak Bhavan, Chavan elaborated that on December 28, 2020, during the Gram Panchayat elections in Maharashtra and the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Prime Minister Modi, along with the then Railway and Agriculture Ministers, flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola (Solapur district) to Shalimar in West Bengal.
The event was broadcast nationwide on TV, and no prior permission had been taken from the Election Commission or the district administration.
A party worker, Prafull Kadam, filed a complaint, but the commission initially delayed action. Eventually, it acknowledged the code of conduct violation but only cautioned the Railway Administration, sparing Modi. Chavan emphasised that this was a clear breach of the law and accused the authorities of shielding Modi.
Prafull Kadam, the complainant, had submitted detailed evidence of the violation of all rules and laws. He contended that the event was an attempt to influence voters and a blatant breach of the model code of conduct, demanding that Modi's Lok Sabha membership be revoked.
Maharashtra Congress adds more than half new faces in the executive team
Speaking on the occasion, Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal said the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee has appointed 66% new faces in its executive team, with 33% being experienced and senior leaders. The committee includes 41% OBC members, 19% SC/ST members, and 33 women. "The team has been formed with a focus on geographic and social balance," he added.
When questioned about controversial ministers, Sapkal responded, "Ministers are playing cards inside the Assembly while a WWF-like scene plays out outside. The minister of state for home, Yogesh Kadams' family runs dance bars, yet the government shows no seriousness." He said that the Congress party has consistently raised its voice both inside the Assembly and on the streets demanding the resignation of such ministers. “The government has a skin thicker than a rhinoceros. Even Dhananjay Munde’s resignation wasn’t based on morality it was forced by public and political pressure. The Congress demands the resignation of all tainted ministers,” he added.
Sapkal defended MP Praniti Shinde, saying her statement had been misinterpreted. “She did not insult Operation Sindoor or soldiers. In fact, she criticised the BJP’s move to plaster Modi’s photos in military attire across the country. The BJP is trying to take credit for soldiers' bravery. Her comments were aimed at a BJP leader’s derogatory statement about a female officer,” Sapkal clarified.
On Operation Sindoor and Modi’s silence
Responding to questions on Operation Sindoor, Prithviraj Chavan said PM Modi never gave a clear answer to Rahul Gandhi’s queries. “Donald Trump claimed over 30 times that he brokered a ceasefire, and Modi remains silent on that. Why doesn’t he deny Trump’s claims? Either Modi is lying or Trump is—it must be clarified.” He also questioned whether the BJP-led central government had revoked the Shimla Agreement and demanded an explanation in Parliament regarding Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statements.
India