New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has asked the Union government to stop using Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s picture on Covid-19 vaccination certificates in States headed to Assembly elections.
The EC’s order came on a complaint by the Trinamool Congress this week.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress earlier this week had alleged ‘blatant misuse of official machinery by the Prime Minister’ in the State in a complaint to the Election Commission.
‘By placing his photograph, name and message on the provisional certificates issued by the ministry of health and family welfare, he is not only exploiting his post and powers but also stealing commendable credit from the producers of Covid vaccines. He is blatantly appropriating the dues of a vast army of selfless doctors, nurses and health service workers,’ Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien wrote in the letter to the election body.
Meanwhile, in the brief letter, DYFI leader Midhun Shah, who is also the State co-coordinator of the Kerala State Youth Commission, pointed out that the model code of conduct was already in force in the southern State, where Assembly election.
‘The certificate, issued for receiving the free Covid-19 vaccine in the State, carries photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and excerpts of his speech.
As it may influence the election procedure, I request you to take necessary steps to remove it,’ he said.