EC says submarine commissioning event not in model code ambit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday commissioned Scorpene-class submarine into the Navy.

The commissioning of a submarine by the Prime Minister on Thursday does not fall under the ambit of the model code which is in force due to Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat elections, the Election Commission said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets former officers during an event to commission the INS Kalvari Scorpene-class submarine into the Indian Navy at the naval dockyard in Mumbai. (AFP Photo)

Responding to a question by reporters on Congress’ allegation that INS Kalavari’s induction ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would violate the model code, senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha said the event does not come under the model code jurisdiction.

“On Thursday, Modi will be in Mumbai where he will attending a commissioning ceremony of Submarine Kalvari. Will that not be a violation of the MCC?” Congress leader Anand Sharma had asked on Wednesday.

Modi had on Thursday morning commissioned Scorpene-class submarine into the Navy.