EC directs Cabinet Secy. to remove PM's images from PMAY website

The Election Commission wrote to Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha on February 11, regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pictures on the website of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY).

The Commission had stated that the said pictures are a violation of the EC's Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

According to the MCC, the party in power whether at the centre or at the states concerned shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its position to further its prospect in any manner.

Furthermore, an Election Commission instruction dated January 4, 2017 had provided for removal of all references of ministers, politicians, or political parties available on official websites of centre and state governments.

A complaint was sent to the Election Commission via e-mail.

The complaint stated that the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna which is being implemented in Uttar Pradesh through the website pmaymis.gov.in is promoting the BJP by showing images of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

The commission has held the display of pictures as a violation of Model Code of Conduct and requested their immediate removal.