EC writes to President Kovind over Kalyan Singh's 'Modi win' remark in violation of poll code

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday dashed a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind regarding Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh's alleged remarks supporting the return of Narendra Modi as prime minister in 2019, saying it was a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Addressing the BJP workers at his Aligarh residence on March 23, Singh had reportedly said, "All of us are BJP workers and we want the party to win. We want Modi Ji to become the prime minister".

"Election Commission has written to the President against Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh for violation of model code of conduct," the news agency ANI reported.

Election Commission has written to the President against Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh for violation of model code of conduct. He had said 'We all are BJP workers&we want BJP to emerge victorious. We want that once again Modi ji should become the PM' on 23rd March. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/22NPW7579a

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2019

Singh, a former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, reportedly made these remarks to placate some agitated BJP members who had gathered outside his house over ticket distribution.

Earlier, the Aligarh district magistrate submitted details and clip of the comments to the Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer and the commission has examined his reported remarks in the light of possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct, as holding a constitutional post makes the governor "apolitical".

In the 1990s, the Election Commission had expressed displeasure over Himachal Pradesh Governor Gulsher Ahmed campaigning for his son ahead of the elections. He had later quit.

(With inputs from agencies)