In the Delhi High Court, a legal challenge has been initiated by Advocate Anand S. Jondhale against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking to disqualify him from contesting elections for six years. This action stems from allegations that Modi breached the Model Code of Conduct during a speech in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, on April 9, 2024. The advocate claims Modi appealed for votes by referencing Hindu and Sikh deities and their sacred places, actions that might foster disharmony and enmity according to the advocate.
Jondhale’s plea highlights specific instances from Modi’s speech where he boasted about the development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, the exemption of GST on items used in Gurudwara langars, and the retrieval of Guru Granth Sahib copies from Afghanistan, purportedly using these achievements to solicit votes. Moreover, Modi is accused of making disparaging remarks about opposition parties, alleging they favor Muslims, which Jondhale argues further violates the electoral conduct rules.
These alleged violations are cited under the Model Code of Conduct’s rules that prohibit exacerbating community differences or using religious sites for electoral gain. Jondhale argues that Modi’s actions merit disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, due to potential offenses under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code.
Additionally, a complaint was filed by Jondhale with the Election Commission of India on April 10, 2024, demanding an FIR against Modi and his electoral disqualification. Despite these serious charges and with national elections looming—voting starts April 19, 2024—the urgency for a resolution is pressing, yet no action has been reported from the Election Commission as of yet.