28-May-2024 11:20 PM
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Chennai, May 28 (Reporter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed meditation at
the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the southern tip of Kanniyakumari ahead of
the Lok Sabha's final phase polls and counting has triggered opposition from
the Congress, which has warned of legal action if the Election Commission
grants nod to it as the Model Code of Conduct is in force as per RPA Act
Tamil Nadu Congress President K.Selvaperunthagai, who is also the Congress
Legislature Party Leader in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, warned of moving the
court if the EC gives its nod for it.
He also said that if the EC did not reject it, the Congress will also launch a
meditation programme at the same place, he told a TV channel.
He claimed that Mr. Modi is trying to covertly campaign through the media with
such an event during the 48-hour lull before the polls (final phase).
Strongly opposing it citing the MCC in force, he said Mr Modi's meditation
programme from May 30, was aimed at indirectly influencing the voters
and campaigning ahead of the final phase of polls on June 1, especially
during the silent period.
The campaign for the final phase will come to an end on May 30 and there will
be silent period, where in no campaign activities should take place, he said, citing
the MCC, which was in vogue.
In a social media post on Tuesday ngiht, he said "From May 30 to June 1,
Mr. Narendra Modi is said to be meditating at Kanyakumari"
"The Election Commission should not give permission for such a program as
the Election Conduct Rules are in force as per the Representation of the People's
Act", he said.
"It is clear that Mr. Modi is trying to covertly campaign through the media with
such an event during the 48-hour lull before the polls", he added.
Mr Selvaperunthagai wrote "A letter will be given to the Election Commission in
this regard tomorrow. I am informed that if necessary we will approach the
honorable court. @TNelectionsCEO. @ECISVEEP".
Mr Modi is scheduled to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a popular monument
in Kanniyakumari on a three-day spiritual tour beginning May 30, ahead of the Lok
Sabha election results for meditation.
Highly placed sources said here on Tuesday that Modi will sail in a ferry to the
Rock Memorial from the mainland and meditate from the evening of May 30 till
June 1 at the Dhyana Mandapam, a meditation hall inside the memorial.
His visit is not related to any party events and it is purely a spiritual tour, sources
said...////...