Congress asks EC to ban participation of BJP leaders in Ramnavami programmes

Senior Congress leader and MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said Election Commission should immediately ban participation of leaders of BJP and their organisations in ‘Shobha Yatras’ to be taken out at Dakbunglow roundabout in the state capital and other parts of the state tomorrow on the occasion of Ramnavami.

He said, model code of conduct (MCC) was in force in view of Lok Sabah election and so participation of BJP leaders in religious functions would amount to violation of the MCC.

Mr Mishra said that as per provisions of MCC, use of any religious body for any political activity or publicity was banned.

According to provisions under MCC, if any such activities were taken up with an intention to help any political party, it would be classified as crime, he stated. He said that any ‘Shobha Yatra’ could not be taken out and also no other religious activity could be done under banner of any religious body for political purpose.

Congress MLC Mr Mishra urged the Election Commission to take action as per law against leaders, MLAs, MLCs or candidates of BJP or any other party if they were found guilty of participating in any religious function.

He said, action should also be taken against organisers of such religious events which had been attended by leaders of political parties. He also requested Election Commission to ensure that MCC's provisions were being adhered to without any discrimination.