Janjivan Bureau / New Delhi : The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday alleged that Narendra Modi’s recent speech where he claimed that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him indicated “impending horse-trading” and asked the Election Commission to cancel his nomination for such “provocative and undemocratic” statements.
In its letter to the EC, the TMC demanded “strong action” for the “unfounded, inappropriate and illegal” campaign and utterances of the Prime Minister.
During an election rally in Sreerampur on Monday, Modi had claimed that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him and would desert their party once the BJP won the general election.
“We would like to bring to your kind notice the lies uttered by Mr Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, regarding horse-trading, hinting that the members of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) would cross over to the BJP and using this lie to influence the voters,” a letter from the party to the EC said.
The TMC said it is “shocked and surprised” to hear the utterances of the Prime Minister that 40 AITC MLAs are in touch with him and would cross over to the BJP after declaration of results of the Lok Sabha election.
“You (EC) are thus requested to ask Mr Narendra Modi for evidence in support of his statement, failing which his nomination should be cancelled for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making such provocative and undemocratic statements,” the letter said.
The TMC said it is very “unbecoming” of the Prime Minister as he is trying to influence the voters to vote for the BJP, by creating a mala fide impression in their minds that many MLAs of AITC were in touch with him and would cross over to his party.
The party also lodged a strong protest against the “mischievous” campaign of Modi.
“Moreover, this tone of speech is very likely to create an indication of impending horse-trading related to election.
“We demand that the EC take cognizance of this unfounded, inappropriate and illegal campaign and utterances of Narendra Modi and take strong action against him as per rules,” the letter said.
Alleging that the BJP’s campaign had been “appalling”, the TMC claimed that the leaders and members of the party in power at the Centre had shown no regard or respect for the model code of conduct or the guidelines issued by the EC.
“Initially, the leaders of the BJP tried to seek votes by appealing to the people in the name of the martyrs of the Pulwama attacks. The leaders even attempted to dissuade the electors against other parties by using the same propaganda.
“Thereafter, they tried to use religion to persuade the voters. Now, they are hinting at horse-trading and how the opposition parties are making arrangements with the BJP for the 2019 general election,” the party alleged.
