Health Ministry ordered by ECI to follow poll guidelines 'in spirit' after TMC complaint

Election Commission (EC) has directed Centre to remove pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Coronavirus vaccination certificate in poll-bound states, days after Trinamool Congress registered a complaint saying that it violates Model Code of Conduct. According to sources, EC has w asked Health Ministry to follow provisions of poll code in letter and spirit. 

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EC writes to Health Ministry

In its letter to Health Ministry, EC referred to certain provisions of model code which use of advertisement at cost of public exchequer. Sources, who are aware of correspondence between Election Commission and Health Ministry said that panel has t referred to any individual or personalities but has asked Health Ministry to follow provisions of model code. 

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Sources furr informed that Health Ministry may have to use filters so that picture of Prime Minister is t printed on certificated given to those who take COVID-19 vaccine in poll-bound West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry

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Earlier on Tuesday, terming PM Modi's picture on certificated as "misuse of official machinery by PM", TMC party had approached poll panel and said it is a violation of model of conduct in Bengal and or poll-bound states. Clause seven of model code states that "issue of advertisement at cost of public exchequer... regarding achievements with a view to furring prospects of party in power shall be scrupulously avoided". model code had come into force in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry on February 26, day EC anunced polls in se five states.

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