ALL INDIA CONGRESS COMMITTEE 24, AKBAR ROAD, NEW DELHI COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Highlights of the Sound byte 22 April, 2019
Shri Kapil Sibal, former Union Minister; Shri Jairam Ramesh, former Union Minister; Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi Spokesperson AICC and Shri K Raju addressed the media today outside the Nirvachan Sadan.
क िल ि्बल न ि क र क ि ब ित करत ह ए कह क अभ हमन च न व आय ग म एक िक यत क ह , एक फ क ल टर ज क ित प स एमप प टल स हब न लख बत य गय , ज आज क िन कन ाटक क ह म म न्टर ह । उस फ क ल टर म यह
क ित प स लख ह क हम चचयन और म ्लम क्य नट क एक कर ग और ल ग यत क कह ग क उनक म ई्य रट ्ट टस मलन च हए त क ज ह ि व ट ह , व िव ईि ह ज ए । य प र तरह स फ ब रक टि और फ क ल टर ि और इसक ब र म हमन 10 ज ल ई, 2017 क पहल भ िक यत क ि । उस समय भ हम च न व आय ग
आए ि और कह ि क य फ क ह , उस समय इस पर क ई क याव ह नह ह ई।
अब 16 अ ल, 2019 क ि ब र उस फ क ल टर क एक वजयव ण ्य ज प पर ह , उसम छप और ि ववजय ्य ज च नल पर ि ब र य फ क ल टर चल और ज वजयव ण और ि ववजय ्य ज क ऑनर ह , उसक न म ह - वजय स क चवर (Vijay Sankeshwar), उसक ब ट क न म ह आन ि स क चवर और व अपन फ ट ध नम क स ि िख त ह और ज वजय स क चवर ह व भ जप क म बर ऑफ
प लाय म ट भ ि । त य ध नम क नजि क , भ जप क ल ग य स र झ ठ फ ल रह
ह और उस फ क ल टर क आध र पर य झ ठ स र च नल म व यरल ह आ, ्य ज प पर म छप । जब हमन वह च फ इल ् रल ऑ फसर क िक यत क , उ्ह न य फ सल िय
क य गलत ह , इसक जब तक च न व ख्म नह ह ज त ि ब र प ललि नह करन ।
1
ल कन प ललि त ह च क ि , व यरल त ह च क ि , स िल म िय म व यरल ह च क ि , त हमन च न व आय ग क आ ह कय ि क इनक खल फ फ रजर क क स िजा ह न च हए, ्य क य फ क ल टर ह । Also under 153 A, communal disharmony क लए और स ि-स ि 295 A क क स ह न च हए और एक conspiracy क क स ह न च हए, इसम भ जप भ ि मल ह ।
इसक ब ि ह आ ्य क य िय र्प न वह फ क ल टर ल कर च र कय , ज कन ाटक क प वा म ्यम ह , उ्ह न भ ऐस ह च र कय और ब ज प क ल ग न भ च र कय । त पहल त आप फ क ल टर बन त ह , फर आप उसक च र करत ह ,
फर च न व आय ग कहत ह क मत कर , तब तक व व यरल ह च क ह , उसक क छ नह ह सकत और जनत क मत कय ज च क ह त ह ।
त हमन च न व आय ग स कह ह क इसम त र त क याव ह ह न च हए और मनल क स िजा ह न च हए। पहल ब त य ।
िसर ब त, हम र ज िफ स म न्टर ह , जब व व ट ि लन गई और जब ब हर आई त त र त उ्ह न कह - अबक ब र फर म ि सरक र। अब िफ स म न्टर क भ म ल म ह न च हए क य च न व आय ग क ि यर ्िन क उ्ल घन ह , आप ऐस ्ल ग नय र ग, (च न व च र) प ल ग ब ि पर नह कर सकत और उसक ज व िय ह , व हम र प स ह , व हमन च न व आय ग क िय ह ।
हमन च न व आय ग क कह ह क हम ऐस लगत ह क इस ि ि म ज स पष क ल ग ह , व च न व आय ग क क ई परव ह नह करत । ज उनक मन म आत ह , करत ह और हम ि ख रह ह क ध नम भ ऐस करत ह , इनक म भ ऐस करत ह और
अगर ह ि्त न क िफ स म न्टर ऐस करन लग त ि ि क जनत क ब च स ि ि ्य ज एग ?
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त सर ब त आपक म ल म ह क च न व आय ग न य ि यर ्िन ि ह क ज ज च ऐज स ह , उनक अगर र ़ करन ह त न्पष तर क स करन च हए। अभ ह ल म
जब 11 अ ल क च न व ह रह ि , त एक हम र बह र म उ्म िव र ह , उनक घर म र ि क , उनक घर पर क छ नह मल । व ख ि भ घर पर नह ि , क वल म त - पत ि , उनक त ग कय , ल कन मल क छ नह । यह र ि क आध र पर फर ि् च र ह त ह क इनक घर म र ि ह गई। त इस ि ि क ज ज च ऐज स ज ह , उनक य सरक र
ि पय ग कर रह ह और जह -जह भ इनक लगत ह क क स क ल ग ह , वपष क ल ग ह , वह य ज च ऐज स क भ ज कर य ि् च र करत ह । इसक हम न ि भ करत ह औऱ हमन च न व आय ग क कह ह क आप क़ स क़ किम उठ ईए।
ड . अ िष क मन ि घव न ि क र क ि ब ित करत ह ए कह क अभ हम र ब़ ि लग िन गय । लगभग न य िस र ज ट ि्स ि , मन प च कए, सलबल स हब न त न कए और र ज स हब न भ ि ल कय , व भ्न म ि पर ि पर अ्य त मह्वप णा ि । म आपक स ष प म बत ि । ि हम र जनक स ि मन ि ल कय व स न क सभ अ ग स स ब धत ि । हमन च न व आय ग क बत य क उनक ब र-ब र ल खत आि ि ह , 19 म चा, 9 म चा, 2013 स ल कर 2019 तक सक़ ऐस आि ि ह क कस प स र जन तक िब ट म , र जन तक अ भय न म , क पय हम र स न क कस अ ग क नह ल इए और स ि म लख ह All parties should exercise utmost care and caution और य सह भ ह । य ि ि म स न क अ ग हम सबक ह और िलगत र जन त म त -त , म- म म आर प – ्य र प म उनक नह ल न च हए, इसक वपर त हमन आज म णत कय क ऐस उ्च पि स न ्य ्त ध नम ज ज स , ब र-ब र हम ि य कर रह ह । अभ ह ल म ब ़म र म कय , अभ ह ल म प टन ग जर त म कय और कतन ब र और हर क र स व ट म ग ह , स न क अ ग क स िभा म । म आपक उि हरण ि ज हमन िय ह च न व आय ग क ।
, , ि उि हरण प़ रह ह हमन इसम िस उि हरण िए ह िस ल खत उि हरण िए ह , , ह ल क ल कन म आपक ि प़ रह ह सफा। उन िस म आ खर व ्य ह िस म ्य व आपक व ट क हकि र ह , य न ्य वपष आपक व ट क क बल ह , ्य ? ज ब ल क ट म भ रत य व य स न व र क गई पर म एयर् इक क िलगत
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र जन त क चचम स ि खत ह , ति स न क मन बल क गर त ह , ्य व आपक व ट क हकि र ह ? ज भ रत य स न स उनक ि या क सब त म गत ह , ्य व आपक व ट क हकि र ह ? ज भ ि भ ष म भ रत य स न स चन करत ह क आप ल़न गए त कतन प ़ उख ़ ? ्य ऐस ल ग आपक व ट क क बल ह , य िस ऐस उि हरण ह ।
िसर उि हरण अभ ह ल म ब ़म र म , य न कल य अ भन िन क त्व र क प ्टर, व ग कम िर अ भन िन क और लख ह म ि ज क व ट इ्य ि- इ्य ि। 21 अब अगर इतन ्प्ट आि ि ह उसक ब ि म आपक कल प टन क प़ रह ह त र ख क , हमन स क ् स कय , प क्त न क आग ह कय क हम र प यलट क , , , , स ि क छ भ ह आ त य ह ग क स क न त ओ क स न पर भर स नह ह उर
प लव म अट क म आत क हमल ह आ त क ् सरक र न स न क ख ल छ ट ि ि । य ब र ब र जब ध नम ज कहत ह , त हमन य ब़ सरल म ग क ह और व म ग य ह क अभ आप हम र , हमन ख ि न बहस क 12 त र ख क िल ल पर 9 त र ख क म रठ क ब्ट क अ भय न क आध र पर एमस स क उ्ल घन करन क लए आपन त न िन क लए उनक क प न ग क र क ि । इस ि ि म आज सबक लए बर बर क न न ह । आप कतन भ उ्च ्तर पर ह ध नम ज , क न न आपक लए बर बर ह । अगर बर बर ह , त आपक य तब ध ि िन क ह , एक िन क ह , त न िन क ह , म नन य ध नम ज पर त र त लग न च हए, य हमन म ग क ह और प न हम च ह ग क ज्ि स ज्ि य तब ध लग , ्य क इसक ि पय ग िन तिन ह रह ह ।
िसर हम र ि ज प र य चक ि , ब़ अज ब -गर ब ब त ह क िन िह ़ उ़ स क क स क अ्यष नर जन पटन यक, 25 और क स क ल ग क स ि और एक इल ्िन , , ऑलजवार क स मन म रप ट करक उनक तकल फ पह च ई गई ह अस ्ट ह आ ह स ध अ्पत ल ल गए ह । हम य आि करत ह क स ़ सरक र, ज वह पर ह र ि ख रह ह , च न व ल़ रह ह उसक य -त कस प स इस क ्ल ट क ि यर कर ग इस लए हमन त र त म ग ह क एक एफआईआर ह , ए्िन ह और क़ स क़ सज ि ज ए ज्ि स ज्ि समय म और जन ल ग न य कय ह व वह क ज न -म न एमएलए, जनक न म लय गय ह हमन ल खत उस ए ्लक िन म उनक ब ट ह , य ल खत प स आय ह ।
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हम र त सर य चन ि , िखि ह य क प स घ ट म जब म नन य ध नम ज उतरत , , , ह और एक बह त ब़ ब्स उनक स ि नकलत ह त एक आम अफसर जसक उ रि य्व ह , अपन कता्य नभ न , म ह्मि म ह सन च न व आय ग क अ तगात व क म कर रह ह , व सह करत ह क व चन प छत ह य लल क ब ्स िख इए, बत इए। उसक ह सल अफज ई त िर , उसक प ठ िप िप न त िर , उसक स भ लन और कहन क त म अ्छ क म कर रह ह , त मन ध नम ज स भ वह ब त क और चन प छ ज ि ि क कस और आिम स आज च न व आय ग क व्त प छत ह , आच र स हत क ि र न आपन उसक ऊपर आर प- ्य र प लग ए, धम ध न न लग ए, सरक र क हर य -त न लग ए और उसक ि ित करन क य क ि आत करन क य्न कय इस क र स जब तक च न व आय ग क भरप र समिान नह मल ग , आम अफसर, आम प लस अफसर, च न व आय ग क अफसर, ि ि एि म न् िन, नभाय, ्वत और न्पष प स अपन क म नह कर सकत । य अ्य त आवचयक ह क इस क र स ह सल अफज ई त र त कर च न व आय ग।
च ि , हमन फ ाख ब ि म यह स न व ल ब त, ज मन प टन और ब ़म र क वषय म क व आपक बत ि , वह भ स न क म ि ि , हम र च ि यह य चक ि । प चव , क ‘च क ि र च र ह ’, ज एक प ल टकल अ भय न ह , र जन तक क प न क एक िलि वल ह , ज लगभग पछल एक वषा स य न मह न स चल रह ह , प णात र जन तक ्ल गन ह , उस पर तब ध लग न , य य प म्य ि ि क अ धक र ष म ह लग य गय , व भ गलत ह , ग र क न न ह , आ बा र ह , इ ्लगल ह , य हमन य चक रख ह च न व आय ग क स मन ।
हमन य भ कह क कस भ प म इसक क ई भ अ खल भ रत य स िभा नह ह सकत । ल कन ज ह आ ह म्य ि ि म व भ गलत ह । हम आि और वचव स करत ह क त र त इन प च क स स म ए्िन लय ज एग और सबस मह्वप णा ह क च न व आय ग न हम र िल ल पर म्टर ब्ट पर ज आज बह त ह सर हन य उि हरण ्ि पत कय ह , तब ध ल गन क क प न ग स , ि गल आव ज नह ह सकत , ि म पि ि नह ह सकत , आि बर नह ह सकत क ध नम ज क लए अलग नयम लग ग और म ्य म उ र ि ि क लए अलग नयम लग ग । इस लए
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ज्ि स ज्ि तब ध लगन च हए, नह त इस क र स हम र स न क सभ अ ग क ब र-ब र अपम नत करन क क म िन तिन चल रह ह ।
ल त र और वि ा क म मल ि ि ब ित एक अ्य ्न क अ र म ि घव न कह क आप ब्क ल सह कह रह ह , म आपक य ि िल ऊ , 1 त र ख 9 अ ल क ल त र म म नन य अ मत ि ह ज , न ि ि म म नन य ध नम ज और म रठ म म नन य म ्य म उ र ि ि न त न अ्य त आप जनक व्त्य िए ज त न स न ओ स ि यकत इ्य ि पर आध रत ि । उन त न क ल कर 12 त र ख क मन , ख ि अगव न क उस ि ल ग िन क ्त त ह ए और बहस ह ई। उस बहस म हमन य य चक रख ि क ज ्य ्त ि पय ग करत ह और फ यि उठ त ह उस पर फ यि उठ न क बज य उसक ख ि क न कस न ह न च हए और उस आध र पर हम बह त हषा ह और य क क बल ह च न व आय ग क उस िल ल क म न और ब्ट पर तब ध लग उस र ज ट िन पर जसक हमन अगव न क ि , य इस लए ब्क ल सह ब त ह क ि हर म पि ि क स ह ? आज इस पर च ्प क स स ध ग च न व आय ग? च न व आय ग अ्छ स ज नत ह और ि ि अ्छ स ज नत ह क ज गलत ह म रठ म व उतन ह गलत ह न ि ि म और उतन ह गलत ह ल त र म । एक ह च ज, एक जगह सह और िसर जगह गलत नह ह सकत , इस लए हमन ि हर य ह आज भ म ग क ह क त र त उस 12 अ ल व ल र ज ट िन पर नणाय ि और म नन य अ मत ि ह ज और म नन य ध नम ज पर भ वह तब ध लगन च हए ज म ्य म य प क पर लग ह ।
Sd/- (Vineet Punia) Secretary Communication Deptt. AICC
6
MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0031A/2019
NO ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR STRONG ROOMS IN KARUR, TAMIL NADU
INDEX
SL.NO Particulars Page No.s 1. Representation
2. Annexure I : Copy of this hon’ble Commissions’s instructions dated December 6th, 2018 and April 5th 2014.
1 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0031A/2019 To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE: NO ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR STRONG ROOMS IN KARUR, TAMIL NADU
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY DIRECTIONS TO CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER (STATE OF TAMIL NADU) AND OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO TAKE ADEQUATE STEPS TO TIGHTEN THE SECURITY FOR STRONG ROOMS IN KARUR, TAMIL NADU AND FURTHER TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION AGAINST THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR HIS MISCONDUCT
This is to bring to your urgent attention certain serious and grave concern that the Hon’ble Commission needs to take immediate note of;
2 I. On April 20th, a Congress candidate visited the Strong room in Karur, Karnataka. However, the candidate was shocked to find gross lapse in the security arrangements in the Strong rooms. There were only three unarmed policemen deployed at the main gate and another three policemen deployed on the road outside the premises of the Strong Rooms. Further, there was free movement of the college staff inside the strong rooms. Such a grave lapse on part of the State Election Commission violates the hon’ble Commissions’s instructions dated December 6th, 2018 and April 5th 2014.
II. That Commission as per abovementioned orders had laid down procedures for safety and security of strong rooms where polled EVM’s and VVPAT’s are secured. The Procedure reads as under;
I. Strong Rooms shall have only one door and not other door or opening. In case there are other doors or opening, they shall be closed using brick masonry II. Strong room shall have a double lock system, with one key to be kept with strong room in charge and the other key with an officer not below the rank of ADM. III. Arrangements should be made for fire and flood safety. IV. Strong room shall be under 24X7 CAPF guard either out of existing deployment - available in the state or using the CAPF ordered to be retained out of central pool. V. Strong room shall be under 24X7 CCTV coverage. VI. One control room adjacent to the strong room should be operative round thq olock, VII. A Gazetted Officer along with a police offier should be put on duty round the clock for monitoring the security arrangements of strong room.
3 VIII. It should be ensured that there is uninterrupted power supply at the strong room locations during the entire period wherein EVMs are stored. CEO may address the Chairman of Electricity Board concerned separately regarding Local Electricity Board officials should be asked to ensure the same. Contingency arrangement of stand by generators should be made to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
A copy of this hon’ble Commissions’s instructions dated December 6th, 2018 and April 5th 2014 are annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE – 1.
III. Further, when the Congress Candidate brought this negligence to the Returning Officer, Mr. Anbazhagan’s attention, the Officer threatened to cancel the electoral process in Karur. The Returning Officer is working at the behest of the AIADMK candidate Mr.Thambidurai and the local minister Mr.Vijayabhaskar. That such intimidating threats to the opponents by an Officer call for immediate attention of this Hon’ble Commission.
The Election Commission must strong vigilance in and around Strong Rooms so that there cannot be any tampering with the EVM’s. The Election Commission must take immediate note of this and initiate appropriate proceedings against the Returning Officer and disqualify him in order to maintain the sanctity of the Electoral laws and this Hon’ble Commission.
We hope the Commission treats this matter with the attention that it deserves and initiates immediate action to take this issue forward.
Warm regards,
4 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 00032A/2019 To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE : Complaint before the Hon’ble State Election Commission dated 17.04.2019
Order of the Hon’ble Election State Commission dated 17.04.2019
Subject: Complaint seeking criminal action against M/s Vijaya Vani newspaper, Dighvijaya news channel, its owner Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, its Managing Director Sri Anand Sankeshwar for the offences viz under Section 153 (A), Section 295(A) and Section 471 r/w Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860
1 The present complaint is preferred in the context of the subject matter inviting your attention to the order of Hon’ble State Election Commission dated 17.04.2019, whereby the Hon’ble Commission acting on my complaint dated 17.04.2019 was pleased to restrain M/s Vijaya Vani newspaper and Dighvijaya news channel from publishing/telecasting news relating to a fabricated letter dated 10.07.2017 allegedly written by me and addressed to Smt. Sonia Gandhi. That despite categorical findings by the Hon’ble Commission in its order that the letter appeared “to be published to influence voters on caste and religious issues” and that the same was a “clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct”, surprisingly the Hon’ble Commission for reasons best known to it, despite strict provisions under the Indian Penal Code inter alia punishing acts aimed at prejudicing maintenance of harmony and using as genuine a forged document, stopped short of initiating criminal action.
Sir, you must be aware that these offences being grave in nature attract heavy penal consequences with the violator facing imprisonment for several years.
A copy of the complaint dated 17.04.2019 preferred by me before the Hon’ble State Commission is produced herewith as Document No 1.
A copy of the order of the Hon’ble State Commission dated 17.04.2019 is produced herewith as Document No2.
The issue at hand has its genesis in the year 2018, when a news webportal namely https://Postcard.newsin the run up to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Election 2018, published an article with a photo shopped letter dated 10.07.2017. The said letter typed out under my name on a forged letter head and conspicuously missing vital details including the correct address of the BLDE Association (of which I am the President) informs Smt. Sonia Gandhi of the alleged talks I held with Global Christian Organization and World Islamic Organization
2 while discussing a strategy for the upcoming elections on the mantra “uniting Christians and Muslims on the basis of their faith, divide the Hindus on the basis of caste/sub-caste and sect and sub-sect” Upon raising strong objection to such a publication, the said news web portal was quick to delete the same. On 11.05.2018 I even preferred a complaint with your predecessor seeking action against the culprit behind this letter.
A copy of the fabricated letter dated 10.07.2017 allegedly written by me to Smt. Sonia Gandhi is produced herewith as Document No 3.
A copy of the notice by the web portal taking down the article is produced herewith as Document No 4.
A copy of the complaint dated 11.05.2018 appealing for action against the author of the fake letter is produced herewith as Document No 5.
Strangely the said fabricated letter dated 10.07.2017 resurfaced once again (with just 48 hours left to the commencement of voting to the 14 constituencies in Karnataka) but this time with a full page news article captioned “Mathe Pratyeka Kidi Hottisida MB Patil” published by Vijayavani newspaper on 16.04.2019. The said article raked up the issue of the division of Lingayat religionin the context of the letter dated 10.07.2017.Pertinent to note that the article was extensively discussed on Dighvijaya news - a sister concern of M/s Vijayavani newspaper. It comes as no surprise that the owner of the said newspaper and a former BJP MP Dr Vijay Sankeshwar and his son Sri Anand Sankeshwar (Managing Director of the newspaper) are close aides of Shri Narendra Modi and take immense pride in sharing photographs with Modi ji over social media.
A copy of the article published in the Vijayavani newspaper titled “Mathe Pratyeka Kidi Hottisida MB Patil” dated 16.04.2019 is produced herewith as Document No 6.
3
Copy of photos of Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, his son Sri Anand Sankeshwar with Modiji is produced herewith as Document No 7
With the sole purpose of setting right these efforts aimed at polarizing votes, vide a complaint dated 17.04.2019 I appealed to the Hon’ble State Election Commission and on the evening of 17.04.2019the Hon’ble Commission was pleased to pass an order restraining further publication of this issue till the completion of election on 23.05.2019. Needless to say that on 16.04.2019 I have also preferred a police complaint.
A copy of the police complaint dated 16.04.2019 preferred by me on the issue of the fabricated letter is produced herewith as Document No 8
That the circumstances necessitating the present complaint are writ large but importantly the after effects of this publication of hurting religious sentiments and igniting communal tension has to be kept in mind. Infact, the Bharatiya Janata Party has left no stone unturned in taking undue advantage of this publication to gain political mileage on this aspect. In a press statement released on 16.04.2019, the BJP in the context of the fabricated letter hurling baseless accusations against the INC and myself blamed us for “indulging in divisive tactics”.
A copy of the press released by the BJP dated 16.04.2019 is produced herewith as Document No 9
The former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Jagadish Shettar in a media byte on 17.04.2017 citing the fabricated letter dated 10.07.2017 alleged that I was attempting to divide the Lingayat community. A copy of the link to the article published in the Times of India dated 17.04.2019 reporting Shri Jagadish Shettar’s remarks in the context of the letter dated 10.07.2017 is produced herewith as Document No 10
4 Pertinent to further note that the said publication has enjoyed widespread circulation over social media platforms there by making it appear genuine. Tweets of the publication by the BJP have reached far and wide with several thousand retweets already. Videos have surfaced over social media platforms such as YouTube wherein a certain former Chief Minister of the State of Karnataka, namely Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa and his aides can be seen exploiting the said news paper publication to appeal to the people to vote for the BJP.
Copy of the YouTube video in a pen drive highlighting the statement of Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa based on the above news article is produced herewith as Document No 11
It would not be out of place for me to apprise you of the damages caused by this publication which is in unfathomable measures. Apart from the effect it has on the social fabric of the society, the central feature of democracy which is free and fair elections has been jeopardized to a great extent already. Vijay Vani newspaper boasts of a daily circulation of over 8 lakhs and in that context the effect it has had on its readers resulting in mass scale polarization of the vote bank cannot be ignored. As of today polling is complete in 14 constituencies across the State of Karnataka and the deleterious effect that this publication will have on the Indian National Congress’s performance cannot be discounted.
Accountability and transparency being key features of democracy it is imperative that those responsible are brought to the fore and put to trial. In times such as these a simplicitor order restraining further publication would serve no fruitful purpose and would in fact set a sorry precedent allowing unscrupulous entities and individuals to perpetuate such offences in the future without any concern or worry.
5 Therefore, in the present circumstances I implore upon you to kindly take the necessary steps in directing your officials to initiate criminal action by way of an FIR against M/s Vijay Vani, M/s. Dighvijaya News Channel, its owner Dr Vijay Sankeshwar and his son Sri Anand Sankeshwar under the aforementioned provisions of the IPC.
Warm regards,
6 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0033A/2019
SPEECHES BY PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI INVOKING DEFENCE PERSONNEL
INDEX
SL.NO Particulars Page No.s 1. Representation
2. Annexure 1: Copies of news articles reporting PM Narendra Modi’s speeches in Patan, Gujarat and Barmer, Rajasthan.
3. Annexure 2: Copy of the EC’s notifications dated 04.12.2013, 09.03.2019 & 19.03.2019.
1 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0033A/2019 To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE: SPEECHES BY PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI INVOKING DEFENCE PERSONNEL
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY INTERVENTION AGAINST PM NARENDRA MODI’S CONTINUED AND BRAZEN VIOLATION OF THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT & IN PARTICULAR FOR VIOLATING THE DIRECTIONS ISSUED IN ECI LETTER NO. 437/6/INST/2019/MCC DATED 19.03.2019
We, the undersigned have been compelled to bring to your Hon’ble Commission’s attention another alarming and brazen violation of electoral laws by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on April 21st, 2019, which calls for immediate exercise of this Hon’ble Commission’s powers under Article 324 of the Constitution.
2
I. The Prime Minister while addressing a public rally in Patan, Gujarat and Barmer, Rajasthan again to seek votes in the name of Defence Personnel, invoked Armed Forces and Defence Personnel as part of his election campaign, directly violating this Hon’ble Commission’s notifications dated December 12th, 2013, March 9th, 2019 and March 19th, 2019.
II. The Prime Minister while addressing the rally in Patan, Gujarat made an ostensible appeal to the voters and said;
“Ek vareeshth amreeki adhikari ne Pakistan ko doosre din kaha ki Modi ne 12 missile taiyyar rakhi hai, hamla ho sakta hai, sthiti bigad jayegi. Pakistan ne doosre din ghoshna kar di, agar Pakistan Abhinandan ko nahi lautaata to weh katl ki raat hoti.”
“….Humne press conference kiya aur Pakistan ko aagaah kiya agar hamare Pilot ke sath kuch bhi hua to aap duniya bhar me batate rahenge ki aapke sath Modi ne kya kiya”
“…Congress ki netaon ko Sena pe bharosa nahi hai. Uri Pulwama attack me aatanki hamla hua to Kendra sarkaar ne sena ko khuli chhooth de di. Pehle surgical strike phir air-strike kar aatankiyon ke adde nasht kiye. Congress neta sena ki kaaryawahi par bhi sabot maangti hai”\
3 Further, the Prime Minister, in another rally in Barmer Rajasthan, said –
“Bharat ne Pakistan ki dhamkiyon se darne ki neeti ko chhod diya varna aaye din bolte rehte the..hamare paas nuclear button hai… hamare paas nuclear button hai…toh hamare paas kya hai bhai…kya humne isse Diwali ke liye rakha hai”
A copy of the news items reporting the abovementioned incident is annexed herewith and marked ANNEXURE – 1.
III. That the Prime Minister’s appeal to the voters in the name and achievements of Defence Personnel is not only violating this Hon’ble Commission’s instructions but also forms a part of deplorable strategy and hence he must be immediately held accountable. It must be reiterated that this Commission’s orders dated December 12th, 2013, March 9th, 2019 and March 19th, 2019 clearly prohibits all the candidates from indulging in any political propaganda that involved activities of the Defence forces.
A copy of this Hon’be Commission’s orders dated December 12th, 2013, March 9th, 2019 and March 19th, 2019 are annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE – 2.
IV. There has been a continuous and blatant violation by the Prime Minister since the Model Code of Conduct came into force. The Prime Minister’s violation have in fact, grown even more brazen and audacious in his actions and comments. The ECI must take immediate and stern steps against the Prime Minister or risk establishing a clear double standard.
4
The Prime Minister needs to be reminded that “No one is above the law”. In light of the gravity of the incident, we request this Hon’ble Commission to utilize its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution and treats this matter with the attention it deserves.
Warm regards,
5 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0034A/2019
To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE : WITHDRAWAL OF MP STATE ELECTION OFFICER’S BAN ON “CHOWKIDAR CHOR HAI” SLOGAN
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY DIRECTIONS TO CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER (STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH) AND OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES FOR THEIR ARBITRARY AND ILLEGAL BAN ON THE SLOGAN “CHOWKIDAR CHOR HAI” BEING VIOLATIVE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
This is to bring to your urgent attention certain serious and grave concern that the Hon’ble Commission needs to take immediate note of.
1
I. On April 18th, 2019, the Chief Electoral Officer of the State of Madhya Pradesh in a complete arbitrary manner, banned the usage of the slogan “Chowkidar Chor Hai”. The said ban on the usage is a direct violation of the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India.
II. Such an act of the Chief Electoral officer is done with a clear mala-fide intent since the ban is imposed has been extended to entire country without any consulting this Hon’ble Commission, therefore raising questions as to how and why a state election officer implemented a blanket ban on the usage.
Further, the State Election Commissioner has failed to provide any notice or hearing to the concerned persons before imposing such a ban on the usage. It is evident that the State Election Officer has acted in a complete arbitrary manner without giving a fair hearing to the concerned persons and is done without any application of mind. Moreover, the State Election Officer has violated the Principles of Natural Justice.
III. Further, it must be noted, that the BJP has on numerous occasions made personal and defamatory attacks on the Congress Party leaders, more so, the Prime Ministers of India, namely, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr. Manmohan Singh etc. but never did the Election Commission take any coercive steps against any BJP leaders. That such an act clearly demonstrates an emergence of double – standard by the State Commission.
2 It is clarified that the slogan “Chowkidar Chor Hai” was never aimed at any particular member of the BJP, it was the BJP who made presumptions. Further, the term ‘Chor’ was coined in context of the ‘Rafale Deal Scam’ which involves the numerous individuals and is sub- judice before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The Chief Election Officer has acted arbitrarily and illegally by imposing a blanket ban on the Congress Campaign and such actions by the State Election Commission cannot be allowed. We, therefore, most humbly pray before this Hon’ble Commission to intervene and review the Order passed by the Chief Election Officer, Madhya Pradesh and prevent itself from setting a grotesque precedent.
We hope the ECI treats this matter with the attention it deserves.
Warm regards,
3 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0035A/2019
BRUTAL ATTACK ON PRESIDENT OF ODISHA PRADESH CONGRESS COMMITTEE IN GHASIPURA ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY (ODISHA)
INDEX
SL.NO Particulars Page No.s 1. Representation
2. Annexure I: Leading newspapers in state of Odisha, have already reported the said incident and the numerous photographs of the incident have been taken and submitted to the police authorities. 3. Annexure II: Memorandums and complaints submitted by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee with regard to the Ghasipura Constituency Assembly
1
MEMORANDUM
Dated 22nd April 2019
Ref: 0035A/2019
To,
The Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha His Companion Election Commissioners of Odisha
Dear Sirs,
RE: BRUTAL ATTACK ON PRESIDENT OF ODISHA PRADESH CONGRESS COMMITTEE IN GHASIPURA ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY (ODISHA)
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY DIRECTIONS TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (STATE OF ODISHA) AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES TO INITIATE IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION AGAINST BADRI NARAYAN PATRA AND HIS SON, DEBASISH PATRA AND OTHER BJD WORKERS
&
ISSUE IMMEDIATE DIRECTIONS TO THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES TO REPLACE THE STATE POLICE WITH PARA- MILITARY FORCE AND CRPF DEPLOYED AND DEPUTED FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
&
ISSUE IMMEDIATE DIRECTIONS TO THE CEO (STATE OF ODISHA) TO DEPLOY ADDITIONAL SECURITY OUTSIDE THE POLLING STATIONS IN GHASIPURA ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY AND CONSEQUENTLY
2
ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF STRONGROOMS FOR EVMS FROM GHASIPURA CONSTITUENCY.
On behalf of Indian National Congress, we the undersigned are compelled to bring to the urgent attention of this Hon’ble Commission certain grave and urgent concerns which require immediate attention and action by this Hon’ble Commission and relevant authorities.
I. That on 21.04.2019, Mr. Niranjan Patnaik, the President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress committee, along with an election observer and 25 congress workers were attacked and assaulted in Ghasipura assembly Constituency by a group of men led by the sons of the sitting MLA of Ghasipura assembly constituency, Mr. Badri Narayan Patra, who belongs to the ruling state party, i.e., Biju Janta Dal (BJD). It may be mentioned that Mr. Niranjan Patnaik is presently contesting elections from Ghasipura and at the time of the incident, he was campaigning in the area.
You can gauge the brutality of the attack from the fact that Mr. Niranjan Patnaik, the election observer and the other congressmen accompanying him had to be immediately admitted to the Ghasipura Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment from the brutal attack and assault by the sons of the sitting MLA and other party workers of the BJD Party. To the shock of Mr. Niranjan Patnaik, the sons of Mr. Badri Narayan and BJD workers even fired shots at Mr. Niranjan Patnaik and his campaign workers.
In addition to the above, it may also be mentioned that the vehicles of Mr. Niranjan Patnaik and his supporters have been severely damaged by the BJD workers, who were armed with guns as well as ‘lathis’/ sticks. Leading newspapers in state of Odisha, have already reported the said incident and the numerous photographs of the incident have been taken and submitted to the police authorities. Please see Annexure – I.
On 21.04.2019 itself, a memorandum was submitted by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee to the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha with regard to the attack on Mr. Niranjan Patnaik and others, however no action or investigation has been initiated by the election officials till now. It is pertinent to mention that the OPCC has already submitted numerous memorandums before the CEO, Odisha, with regard to the nefarious activities of the Mr. Parta and other BJD workers, but there has not been
3 any action or investigation initiated against the persons reported. Please see Annexure – II.
You may also be informed that the Ghasipura assembly constituency had recently witnessed the murder of its ex-block chairman and vice-president of the Keonjhar district congress committee, Ramachandra Behera and as per the news reports, it had been alleged that the BJD workers and the sitting MLA were involved in the said incident. However, the authorities have failed to investigate the matter properly and the alleged accused are roaming around free of charges. This poses as a major threat to all workers and the candidate of the Indian National Congress Party presently in Ghasipura.
It is pertinent to mention that this Hon’ble Commission cannot allow individuals of the state ruling party to take advantage of their position and assault senior leaders of other political parties and hamper the election campaign of candidates, thereby affecting the free and fair elections.
II. We request this Hon’ble Commission to utilize its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and address the issues mentioned herein by passing immediate directions to Chief Electoral Officer (State of Odisha), Central Government and other relevant authorities in order to ensure free and fair elections in the state of Odisha.
We hope the Commission treats these matters with the attention they deserve. This is just the latest in a series of violations that undermine the sanctity of our penal as well as well as election laws and the authority of the Hon’ble Commission.
We hope the Commission treats these matters with the attention they deserve.
Warm Regards,
4
MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0036A/2019
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED RAIDS ON THE RESIDENTIAL PREMISES OF A CONGRESS PARTY MEMBER IN BIHAR.
INDEX
SL.NO Particulars Page No.s 1. Representation
2. Annexure 1: A copy of this Hon’ble Commission’s Circular dated April 7th, 2019
1 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0036A/2019 To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED RAIDS ON THE RESIDENTIAL PREMISES OF A CONGRESS PARTY MEMBER IN BIHAR.
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY DIRECTIONS TO CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (STATE OF BIHAR) AND OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO TAKE STRONG & STERN ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS CARRYING OUT ILLEGAL & POLITICALLY MOTIVATED RAIDS
This is to bring to your urgent attention certain serious and grave concern that the Hon’ble Commission needs to take immediate note of;
2
I. In an unfortunate turn of events at around 8PM on April 11th, 2019 certain unknown officials at the behest of the DSP, Kharagpur carried out raids at the house of Bihar Congress Member, Rajesh Kumar Mishra in Kharagpur.
It’s important to mention that the raid was carried out at the time when there was no one except the Congress Member’s parents present in the house and absolutely no recovery of any kind was made from the premises. That, the timing and fashion of the raid makes it evident that it was done with malicious motive to intimidate and harass Congress party members in view of the upcoming elections. The abovementioned Congress member is also being threatened by some unknown persons for promoting and supporting the Congress party.
II. Clear and Present Violations:
Such raids are a direct and clear violation of the Hon’ble Commission’s Circular dated April 7th, 2019 which states:
“This Election Commission strongly advises that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curb that blatant electoral malpractice (of using money power to influence voter behavior), be absolutely neutral, impartial and non- discriminatory. Further, in case of suspected use of such illicit money for
3 electoral purposes, the Chief Electoral Officer should be kept suitably informed while the Model Code of Conduct is in force”
A copy of this Hon’ble Commission’s Circular dated April 7th, 2019 is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE – 1.
Furthermore, Part VII of the Model Code of Conduct expressly states:
“The party in power whether at the Centre or in the State concerned or in the State or States concerned, shall ensure that no cause is given for any complainant that it has used its official position for the purposes of its election campaign.”
Representation of People act, 1951:
123. Corrupt practices.—The following shall be deemed to be corrupt practices for the purposes of this Act:—
(2) Undue influence, that is to say, any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of the candidate or his agent, or of any other person…with the free exercise of any electoral right: Provided that— (a) without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of this clause any such person as is referred to therein who—
4 (i) threatens any candidate or any elector, or any person in whom a candidate or an elector interested, with injury of any kind including social ostracism and ex-communication or expulsion from any caste or community.
Indian Penal Code, 1860
This act of the officials in carrying out a baseless and malicious raid during the elections also violates Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code which provides as follows:
171C. Undue influence at elections.— (1) Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), whoever— (a) threatens any candidate or voter, or any person in whom a candidate or voter is interested, with injury of any kind, or … shall be deemed to interfere with free exercise of the electoral right of such candidate or voter, within the meaning of sub-section (1).
III. The Hon’ble Commission can come to only one conclusion that the pattern of raids on innocent members of the Congress party violates the aforementioned laws and needs to be arrested. This is a brazen misuse of the official machinery and part of a larger pattern of malicious
5 intimidation that is being done to silence critics and opponents of this Government.
The ECI must enforce what it commands. In light of the above, it’s important that the ECI intervenes and exercises its power under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and address this issue by passing directions to Chief Electoral Officer (State of Bihar) to take stern actions against these officials and on whose behest such raids are being carried out
We hope the ECI treats this matter with the urgency that it deserves.
Warm Regards,
6 MEMORANDUM
April 22nd, 2019
Ref: 0037A/2019
SLOGANEERING OUTSIDE POLL BOOTHS BY NIRMALA SITHARAMAN
INDEX
SL.NO Particulars Page No.s 1. Representation
2. Annexure 1: A copy of the ECI’s letter No. 464/INST/2007- PLN-I dated January 7th, 2007 is annexed
1 MEMORANDUM
April 22th, 2019
Ref: 0037A/2019 To,
Chief Election Commissioner & His Companion Election Commissioners of India
The Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan New Delhi - 110001
Dear Sirs,
RE: SLOGANEERING OUTSIDE POLL BOOTHS BY NIRMALA SITHARAMAN
REQUEST FOR URGENT AND NECESSARY INTERVENTION AGAINST THE TOP BJP LEADERS FOR VIOLATING MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT AND IN PARTICULAR THE SLOGANEERING BY THE DEFENCE MINISTER, NIRMALA SITHARAMAN OUTSIDE THE POLLING BOOTH IN BENGALURU
We the undersigned would like bring to this Hon’ble Commission’s urgent attention a matter of grave importance for your immediate action;
2 I. On April 18th, the Defence Minister, after casting her vote in Bengaluru, Karnataka raised slogans right outside the polling booths, which is in clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct and calls for immediate exercise of this Hon’ble Commission’s powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.
As per this Hon’ble Commission’s letter No. 464/INST/2007-PLN-I dated January 7th, 2007, the candidates are prohibited from displaying any propaganda material like posters, flags, symbols on the day of poll for distribution of identity slips or near polling booths.
A copy of the ECI’s letter No. 464/INST/2007-PLN-I dated January 7th, 2007 is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE – 1.
II. Usage of such sloganeering was done only with the intent of creating an atmosphere of disharmony and to intimidate the voters to vote for a certain party/candidate. It’s unbecoming of a Defence Minister to violate the Model Code of Conduct in such a brazen fashion. The continuous violations by the top leaders of BJP make it clear that they have no regard for the law. The ECI must take note of such infractions and pass strictures/censures against these leaders.
In light of the gravity of this incident and the precedent that it’s capable of setting and disrupting a free and fair electoral process, we therefore, humble and respectfully, request this Hon’ble Commission to exercise its wide powers under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and treats this matter with the attention it deserves.
Warm regards,
3