Minister of state for education (primary and higher) Vibhavari Dave on Tuesday moved the Gujarat High Court for quashing of an FIR registered against her for allegedly chanting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside the polling booth in Fulvadi Chowk area of Bhavnagar on April 23, the day when the Lok Sabha polls were conducted in the state. The court has ordered the police to produce the CCTV footage of the incident by Thursday, when the case will be taken up for further hearing.
Notably, an FIR was registered against the minister on April 25 at Nilambaug police station for poll code violation. Dave was booked after the video of her and her supporters allegedly chanting slogans of 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' inside the polling booth in Bhavnagar became viral on social media. As per the model code of conduct, nobody is allowed to canvass in favour or against any candidate or political party within 100-meter periphery of the polling station.
Interestingly, the Congress had submitted a complaint against the minister for violating the model code of conduct and the police complaint was registered against her on the direction of the election authorities on April 25.
The minister has contended before the court that chanting slogans such as 'Modi hai to mumkin hai' does not amount to canvassing. She also said she did not canvas for any candidate contesting the polls from the seat. She contended that she has not violated any poll code and therefore, the court should quash the FIR registered against her.
Following the submissions, the court adjourned the hearing till Thursday when it will go through the CCTV footage for deciding the case.