Amit Shah, Hyderabad BJP Candidate Madhavi Latha Among Others Booked Over Poll Code Violation

A case has been filed against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders, including Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate K Madhavi Latha, G Kishan Reddy, T Yaman Singh, and Raja Singh, for allegedly violating the model code of conduct (MCC) by involving children in their election campaign in Hyderabad.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) vice-president Niranjan Reddy filed a complaint where he alleged that during a BJP rally from Laldawaza to Sudha Talkies on May 1, which Shah attended, children were seen on the dais, with one even displaying a BJP symbol, breaching Election Commission guidelines.

Responding to the complaint, the Election Commission instructed Hyderabad Police Commissioner Srinivas Reddy to conduct an inquiry. The South Zone DCP Sneha Mehara is leading the investigation, with the Mughalpura police station handling the case.

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"This is a clear violation of the guidelines of the Election Commission. we are attaching here with a photo for your kind perusal," the complaint further said.

The case has been registered under IPC Section 188 (violation of an order issued by a public servant), and the police are investigating further.

The Election Commission had earlier issued directives urging political parties to refrain from involving children in election campaigns, and warned of a "zero tolerance" approach. Political parties were cautioned against using children in any election-related activities, including rallies, slogan shouting, and distribution of materials.

“The Election Commission of India has issued strict directives regarding the use of children in any election-related activities. Political parties have been advised not to use children in election campaigns in any form whatsoever including distribution of posters/pamphlets or to participate in slogan shouting, campaign rallies, election meetings, etc,” an ECI statement said.

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The BJP has nominated Madhavi Latha as its candidate from Hyderabad, challenging sitting MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in his bastion. Hyderabad is set to vote in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 13. The results will be announced on June 4.

(With agency inputs)