Congress moves EC over BJP flags on beneficiaries’ houses

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 22

The Congress today lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the BJP for hoisting party flags on the houses of beneficiaries of state and Central schemes.

This was stated by Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Kuldeep Rathore, while addressing a press conference here today. “The action by the BJP of hoisting party flags on the houses of beneficiaries is unconstitutional, coercive and breach of privacy of an individual,” he wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, seeking restraining the BJP from doing so.

He said the benefit being given was not by a political party but by the government which cannot be politicised by launching a programme like Mera Parivaar – BJP Parivaar.

“Asking a beneficiary to put up a party flag on his house just because he has benefited from a Central or state scheme is misutilisation of government funds for political gains with an eye on the Lok Sabha elections,” said Rathore.

The Congress chief also accused the BJP regime of renaming government plans started by the Congress regime for political gains.

Rathore further demanded that the Himachal Government must enhance the Rs 20 lakh ex gratia announced for the family of Pulwama martyr Tilak Raj to Rs 1 crore. “Other state governments like Punjab have given Rs 1 crore and Himachal too must enhance it,” he demanded.

Rathore also accused the Centre of not doing enough to expedite the rescue operation at Namgya in Kinnaur where five jawans had been missing after an avalanche two days back.