Did Ex-Maha CM Chavan File a Case Against PM Modi Over 2020 MCC Violations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Former CM Prithviraj Chavan alleges PM Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct.
- The Election Commission recognized the violation but took minimal action.
- Chavan plans to appeal to the High Court.
- Concerns raised about political accountability and election integrity.
- New executive committee announced by Maharashtra Congress.
Mumbai, July 30 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, claimed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi breached the Model Code of Conduct during the 2020 elections, yet the State Election Commission failed to act on his complaint.
While the commission did recognize a violation, it merely issued a warning to the Railway Administration without holding PM Modi accountable.
"When decisive actions were taken against former PM Indira Gandhi and Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, why is PM Modi exempt? No individual is above the law," Chavan stated, revealing his intention to appeal to the High Court.
During a press briefing, Chavan recounted that on December 28, 2020, amid the Gram Panchayat elections in Maharashtra and the Assembly elections in West Bengal, PM Modi, together with the then Railway and Agriculture Ministers, inaugurated the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola (in Solapur district) to Shalimar (West Bengal).
"The event was televised nationally, and no prior permission was sought from the Election Commission or local administration. A party member, Prafull Kadam, lodged a complaint, but the commission was slow to respond. Ultimately, it recognized the violation but only cautioned the Railway Administration, thus shielding PM Modi. This constitutes a blatant breach of the law," he asserted.
“Kadam, the complainant, presented comprehensive evidence supporting the violation, arguing that the event aimed to sway voters and blatantly contravened the Model Code of Conduct, urging for PM Modi’s Lok Sabha membership to be annulled,” Chavan added.
In response to inquiries regarding Operation Sindoor, Chavan remarked that PM Modi has never provided a clear answer to Rahul Gandhi’s questions.
“US President Donald Trump asserted on numerous occasions that he negotiated a ceasefire, yet PM Modi remains silent on this. Why doesn’t he refute Trump’s claims? Either PM Modi is misleading us, or Trump is... this needs clarification,” he stated.
He also questioned if the BJP-led central government had nullified the Shimla Agreement and demanded explanations from Parliament regarding Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statements.
When asked about the recent comments made by newly appointed Rajya Sabha member Ujjwal Nikam regarding Ajmal Kasab, Chavan mentioned that Kasab was executed through legitimate legal processes during the Congress administration.
“Kasab’s execution occurred under our government. Nikam’s remarks are irrelevant. The BJP has rewarded him with a Rajya Sabha position, hence his statements,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, Harshwardhan Sapkal, the president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, announced the formation of a new executive committee featuring 66% new members and 33% experienced leaders.
The committee consists of 41% OBC members, 19% SC/ST members, and 33% women, strategically formed for geographic and social balance.
When queried about the controversial ministers within the MahaYuti government, Sapkal responded: "Ministers are engaged in card games inside the Assembly while a WWE-like spectacle unfolds outside. The Home Minister’s family manages dance bars, yet the government shows no seriousness."
He asserted that the Congress party has continually voiced its concerns both inside the Assembly and on the streets, demanding the resignation of such ministers.
“The government possesses a skin thicker than a rhinoceros. Even former NCP minister Dhananjay Munde’s resignation was not a matter of morality but was compelled by public and political pressure. The Congress insists on the resignation of all compromised ministers,” he concluded.