The Congress has sought action against the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for his party equating him with Lord Mahadev (Shiva) with the slogan 'har har Modi' in Varanasi from where he is contesting.
In complaint to the Election Commission on Thursday, the Congress said the BJP was using religion in its campaign which was against the model code of conduct. The code prohibits campaign on religious lines that could promote hatred among communities. The party has asked de-recognition of the party for using religion for electoral gains.
The day 'har har Modi' created a stir the BJP clarified that its official slogan was 'Ab ki bar Modi sarkar'. Hindu religious leaders have also objected to the slogan saying an individual cannot be equated with a deity. The RSS had also jumped in and asked the BJP not to use the slogan.
Congress secretary KC Mittal in his complaint said religion based politics has never been approved by people, apart from being prohibited by law.
"It is also requested that all the vehicles in the shape of Rath/Van organized by the BJP may be impounded and necessary instructions may be issued to all the district authorities not to allow such vehicles to ply in any area," the complaint said with reference to the BJP plan to run Modi raths all over the country.
{{/usCountry}}"It is also requested that all the vehicles in the shape of Rath/Van organized by the BJP may be impounded and necessary instructions may be issued to all the district authorities not to allow such vehicles to ply in any area," the complaint said with reference to the BJP plan to run Modi raths all over the country.
{{/usCountry}}The Congress has also asked the commission to ensure that it does not use religious places for campaign especially in Modi's constituency Varanasi. The party is the view that the BJP was trying to evoke religious sentiments to garner votes.