PM Modi's soldier comment breached directive: EC report

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi breached election commission (EC) directive by seeking votes in the name of Pulwama martyrs and Balakot attacks, Maharashtra Chief Election Officer has said in a report. Action will be taken if breach of model code of conduct is established.

At Tuesday’s rally in Lathur, Maharashtra, Modi asked first-time voters to dedicate their franchise to Pulwama martyrs and soldiers who carried out Balakot airstrikes.

"I want to tell the first-time voters: can your first vote be dedicated to the veer jawans (valiant soldiers) who carried out the air strike in Pakistan. Can your first vote be dedicated to the veer shaheed (brave martyrs) of Pulwama (terror attack)," Modi said.

The PM said the first-time voters should remember that their first vote is something which they will remember for the rest of their lives. "You will always remember to whom did you vote and in which election," Modi said.

"Can your first vote be dedicated to (the cause of) providing pucca houses to the poor. Should not your first vote go for providing water in farms of farmers," he said.

"Should not you vote for 'healthcare for all' and the Ayushman Bharat scheme," Modi said.

The EC had sought a report following Congress’s complaint.

The report is factual since it is clear from the video what Modi said, Maharashtra CEO said. The EC had issued a strict directive to all political parties on March 9 not to mention soldiers or use their images in campaigns. The report says Modi violated this.

The EC has also directed Prasar Bharati to make sure some political parties do not get more air time on Doordarshan or Air India programmes during the polls.

(With inputs from PTI)