‘Vote for Modi’ message on wedding card invites EC notice for Uttarakhand man

Jagdish Chandra Joshi, who runs a cow shelter in Joshikhola village in Garud block, had printed an appeal on the wedding invitation of his son seeking votes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Election Commission on Saturday served a notice to a man in Uttarakhand who printed a message on his son’s wedding invitation card appealing to the guests to vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission on Saturday served a notice to a man in Uttarakhand who printed a message on his son’s wedding invitation card appealing to the guests to vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Jagdish Chandra Joshi, who runs a cow shelter in Joshikhola village in Garud block of the district, had printed an appeal on the wedding invitation of his son Jeevan that said: ‘Tohfa mat lana kintu var vadhu ko ashirwaad dene se pehle 11 April ko rashtrahit mein Modi ji ko vote jarur kar ana,’ (Do not bring gifts. But in national interest do vote on April 11 in favour of Modi before coming to bless the bride and bridegroom).

The notice was served by assistant returning officer (ARO¸Bageshwar, on Joshi for allegedly vilolating the model code of conduct.

District Election Officer (DEO) Ranjana, who goes by one name said, “The notice has been served to the person concerned through ARO and he has been asked to be present in person within 24 hours.”

Joshi however apologised. “My kids gave the text material for the invitation. I would apologise before the election commission. We are simple people and do not have any inclination towards any political party,” he said.

In Uttarakhand, the Lok Sabha polls are to be held on April 11 and the wedding is scheduled for April 22.