BJP manifesto release on poll day violation of RPA: Cong

Charging the Bharatiya Janata Party with the violating law by bringing out its manifesto on a day when polling for Lok Sabha polls is underway and seeking votes in the name of religion by mentioning Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Congress on Monday asked the Election Commission to take action against the party.

"The release of manifesto today is completely in violation of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the instructions issued by the Election Commission," a memorandum submitted to the poll body by the Congress said.

The Congress complaint also said the BJP manifesto has referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya which was against the secular structure of the country. "Even the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the Commission is violated since the purpose is to seek votes in the name of the religion and religious place," the memorandum signed by Congress leader Motilal Vora said.

Interestingly, the Congress memorandum said as per new guidelines for political parties and candidates, "It was incumbent on the BJP to have declared its manifesto, a vision document of their policies, even before the announcement of the elections by the EC for constitution of 16th Lok Sabha.

The Congress too released its manifesto on March 26, though the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections was announced on March 5.