Complaint against BJP candidate for violation of poll code

A Goa-based social activist has filed a complaint against BJP candidate Sripad Naik for alleged violation of model code of conduct by using Church during his election campaigning.

In the complaint filed before Election Commission of India's local office, social activist Aires Rodrigues has alleged that Naik, contesting from the North Goa Lok Sabha seat, went to a Church recently and posed for a picture with the priest.

The visit to the Church was a part of election campaign, Rodgrigues said.

"The model code of conduct makes it clear that the use of mosque, churches, temples or any other religious places (for election campaigning) is banned," he said.
 

When contacted, Naik said that he had gone there to meet his voters.

"I am not banned from meeting the voters. I have not used the church premise for campaigning," he clarified.