The Election Commission of India on Saturday issued an advisory to political parties to not use photographs of defence personnel on hoardings or posters in upcoming Lok Sabha poll campaign.
The notice was sent to all political parties of India, specially the Bharatiya Janata Party who have setup multiple banners, hoarders and billboards with Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Such billboards read, “It’s because of Modi that it’s possible.”
The exact words were “Modi hai toh mumkinhai,” which also happens to be the BJP’s slogan this election season.
After a dog fight in the skies between Indian Air Force and Pakistan Air Force, Wing Commander Varthaman was captured by Pakistani authorities as his parachute landed in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir after his MiG 21 Bison fighter jet crashed. He was returned back to India after two days.
Most of the BJP leaders, including Union ministers credited Varthaman’s release to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts.
The Election Commissioner of India released the following circular:-
