EC absolves Modi for third time, says Rajasthan speech didn't flout rules

The Congress had moved the EC alleging that the prime minister "brazenly" violated the poll code.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn't violate the model code of conduct when in an election speech he invoked the armed forces and said India's nuclear button was not meant for Diwali, the Election Commission (EC) ruled Thursday.

This was the third time the EC had absolved the prime minister in connection with poll-related speeches.

Officials said the commission examined the matter in detail and it was of the "considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted." The EC, they said, examined the complete certified transcript of the speech of 10 pages sent by