Yogi Adityanath gets EC's notice over "Modiji ki sena" remark
What's the story
The Election Commission is learned to have served a notice to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday for calling Indian army the "sena" (army) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The top-polling body has asked Adityanath to reply by April 5. He courted controversy on April 1 when he was campaigning for Union Minister VK Singh in Ghaziabad. Here's what went down.
Rally
Congress fed biryani to terrorists, Modiji gave them bullets: Adityanath
Adityanath, who is leading BJP's campaign in UP, made a controversial remark earlier this week. Comparing governance of Congress and BJP, Adityanath said while the former fed "biryani" to terrorists, "Modiji ki sena" taught them a lesson. He claimed Congress "encouraged" terrorists by using "ji" to address people like Masood Azhar, while BJP was breaking Pakistan's spine with its actions.
Quote
"Modiji ki sena aatankwadiyon ko goli aur gola deti hai"
"Congress ke log aatankwadiyon ko biryani khilate the aur Modiji ki sena aatankwadiyon ko goli aur gola deti hai. Yahi antar hai. Congress ke log Azhar Masood jaise atankwadiyon ke saath 'ji' laga karke atankwad ko protsahit karti hai," Adityanath said.
Reactions
Congress, Trinamool came down heavily on Adityanath
The blatant politicization of armed forces miffed many. Randeep Singh Surjewala of Congress said, "Adityanath is a zero performance chief minister. That's why he has to hide behind the sacrifices and valor of our armed forces to even face the people." West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, "Such blatant personalization and usurping of our beloved Indian Army is an insult and a humiliation."
Details
Former Navy Chief was also upset, EC sought report
Not only politicians but defense veterans also disliked Adityanath's comments. Former Navy Chief L Ramdas had said he would approach EC over this. "The armed forces do not belong to any one individual, they serve the country," he said. As the comments led to an uproar, UP Chief Electoral Officer sought a report to ascertain whether Adityanath violated Model Code of Conduct or not.
Violation
Parties can't use defense forces for their poll propaganda: EC
The election watchdog's decision to serve showcause notice to Adityanath shows that EC believes he violated MCC. On December 4, 2013, EC had issued an instruction asking political parties to remain cautious when referring to armed forces. In the run-up for upcoming polls, EC on March 19 directed that parties can't indulge in any "political propaganda involving activities of defense forces."