MLA Joshi gets poll code violation notice
MUSSOORIE: Election Commission of India has served a notice to sitting MLA Ganesh Joshi, BJP candidate from Mussoorie assembly seat for violating the modal code of conduct by allegedly posting a video clip showing the Army officials and jawans raising slogans in his favour on social media without any prior permission.
Naresh Chandra Durgapal, returning officer from Mussoorie in a notice sent to Joshi on Monday stated that the Election Commission had received a complaint of a fabricated video being played on social media, showing uniformed soldiers of the Indian Army shouting slogans in your favour of Joshi which is unfair and in violation of Representation of the People Act, 1951, Indian Penal Code of Conduct, 1860 and Model Code of Conduct.
The returning officer Naresh Chand Durgapal said, “any kind of political propaganda, photographs of the armed forces cannot be used directly or indirectly in the election and publicity campaigns by any candidate”.
He said the Election Commission of India from time to time has also taken a strong stand in this regard.
When contacted, Ganesh Joshi said, “I have sent my reply that no such video has been uploaded from any of my accounts that have been submitted to the Election Commission.”
“It is a conspiracy of the opponents who are trying to malign my image as they are dejected at the support I am getting from the voters”, he added.
The large area of the constituency falls under the defence area including the Garhi Cantonment area.
Mussoorie unit Congress president Gaurav Agarwal said, “We appreciate Election Commission for taking action in this matter and condemn Ganesh Joshi for dragging the respected Indian Army, the men in uniform in the elections. With this, it is evident that he is losing the elections hence resorting to such frivolous and shameful tactics.”