DC Edit | Leaders should set example in strictly following EC code

When in doubt, go back to the basics, they say. The Constitution says India is a secular nation; Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, lists the appeal by a candidate to vote or refrain from voting for any person on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to religious symbols for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate as corrupt practices. Section 123 of the Act says the promotion of, or attempt to promote, feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, by a candidate for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate. “Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties,” as per the second item on the MCC. Mr Modi took objection to INDIA bloc leaders “enjoying mutton” and fish in the month of Sawan and came to the conclusion that they wanted to “provoke the people of the country with Mughal mentality.