Disqualify Modi, Congress asks EC

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday asked the Election Commission to cancel Narendra Modi’s candidature from both Vadodara and Varanasi for flashing the BJP’s symbol “lotus” near a polling booth.

The Congress also demanded the registration of a first information report against the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for violating the model code of conduct.

Election Commission sources said they have asked the Ahmedabad collector to send a report on the issue.

After voting in Gandhinagar, Modi flashed his inked finger along with a badge of the lotus, the BJP’s election symbol, at a press conference.

“We have complained to the Election Commission. We have sought immediate action by … disqualifying Modi from both his seats,” Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal told IANS.

In its complaint to the commission, Congress legal cell secretary K.C. Mittal said displaying the party symbol near a polling centre violated the Representation of The People Act (RPA).

He also said that Modi was campaigning for the BJP and “delivering a speech in the fashion of canvassing” after casting his vote.

The Model Code of Conduct of the Election Commission prohibits displaying any symbol attached to political parties in or near a polling booth.

Afzal said Modi was “arrogant” and considered himself “above law”.

“He is just tearing apart the law… Modi thinks he is already the prime minister and perhaps above law,” Afzal said.

“But he forgets that even the prime minister is not above law.”