EC notice to BJP’s Manpreet Badal, Congress’ Raja Warring for 'poll code violations; told to reply within 24 hours

PTC Web Desk: In the run-up to the byelections in Gidderbaha Assembly segment, the Election Commission has issued notices to BJP candidate Manpreet Singh Badal and Congress candidate Amrita Warring's husband and MP Raja Warring for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Both leaders have been directed to respond within 24 hours.

Notably, BJP leader Manpreet Singh Badal claimed during a campaign event that he could help people secure jobs in the Central Government. Manpreet Badal reportedly told the gathering that the general manager of Punjab Roadways knew him and that he would arrange railway jobs for them, adding that a Railway minister would soon be in Gidderbaha. This statement soon went viral on social media, following which a complaint reached the Election Commission in this regard.

Manpreet Badal, on the other hand, clarified that he was referring to a training centre aimed at making youths employable, not promising government jobs. However, the issue was raised prominently by Congress and AAP leaders, who accused him of misleading the public during the election process.

On the other hand, Congress leader Raja Warring is under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in election campaigning inside a mosque. The incident was flagged by the Election Commission after a complaint was filed. Raja Warring himself shared a photograph of the visit on his social media account, which prompted BJP leaders to accuse him of campaigning in a religious place and urging people to vote for his party.

The photograph and the related post were later modified, but BJP leaders continued to criticise Raja Warring for using a place of worship for political gain. This issue further escalated when the Election Commission took cognizance of the violation.

Both leaders have been asked to provide an explanation to the Election Commission within the stipulated time frame.