Election officials have initiated action over images of Narendra Modi along with electioneering slogans appearing on packaging of ladies suits distributed by a Gujarat-based manufacturer in Delhi, a notice to the original complainant on Thursday, informed.
Ashok Randhawa, a trader in Sarojini Nagar Mini Market had filed a complaint in the matter on the election commission’s cVIGIL app on April 2. However soon after Mr Randhawa got a message on his number saying that the matter was disposed off as the location was not known. Following this he wrote to the Election Commission of India on April 5, reiterating his complaint and highlighting that he could have been contacted on his phone for the address.
Phrases such as “Vote for Modi” and “Nation with Namo” along side pictures of the PM appeared on packaging distributed by garments manufacturer K Anuj, whose goods are sold at the wholesale market in Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk and in other parts of North India, including Haryana and Punjab. The Hindu had earlier reported that the proprietor of the firm, a BJP supporter, distributed similar packaging during the Gujarat elections and the previous Lok Sabha polls, but had stopped distribution after election dates were announced.
Following an inspection by election officials at Mr Randhawa’s store on Wednesday, the ARO for the area, Rakesh Dhaiya issued a notice saying that “appropriate action under relevant provisions of RP act 1951 and IPC has been initiated. In the meanwhile you are hereby directed not to sell any suite with packing having such image/logo.” Mr Dhaiya was unreachable despite multiple calls and texts.