 "Modi's charges on wrist watches with FM pic lacks proof: TN CEO")
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 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 here.
He said no formal complaint has been received about the alleged distribution of the watches.
Chidambaram's son Karti is contesting from the adjoining Sivaganga district going to polls on April 24.
To a question on Modi holding a political rally in an educational institution here last week, 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, 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 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.
"We have seen that (allegation made by 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 here.
He said no formal complaint has been received about the alleged distribution of the watches.
Also Read
Addressing an election rally in Ramanathapuram on Thursday, Modi had said he was showed a watch with 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.
Chidambaram's son Karti is contesting from the adjoining Sivaganga district going to polls on April 24.
To a question on Modi holding a political rally in an educational institution here last week, 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, 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 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.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%