Despite the Election Commission issuing a notice to the Railways issuing tickets bearing Modi’s images even after the model code of conduct, the ministry is back at it. A recent post on social media reveals that the railway is still issuing tickets that carry the PM’s image and election message.
Per pictures shared on a social media platform by a journalist Zeba Warsi, the railway ticket issued on Sunday bears an advertisement of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development.
BREAK- After Chowkidar tea cups, Railways tickets with PM Modi pictures endorsing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna given to passengers at Barabanki Railway station today.
Is this not a violation, Election Commission? #ElectionBreaking #BattleOf2019 pic.twitter.com/UnOVs6gz0s
— Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) April 14, 2019
Earlier this month, the PM’s pictures, slogans and list of schemes on Air India boarding pass, railway tea-cups and railway tickets had created a furore. While the cups bore Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “Main Bhi Chowkidar” (I am a watchman as well) campaign slogan, Air India boarding passes had an advertisement of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
Also Read: Railways Withdraws Cups With “Main Bhi Chowkidar” Slogans After Facing Heat
After the issue was raised by images of tickets and cups were shared by users on social media, the Railways was forced to withdraw the cups. Additionally, the Railways issued a statement underlining that no prior permission was taken for “printing advertisements”. “Rs 1 lakh fine has been imposed on the licensee and has also been served a show cause notice,” the Railways notice said.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that came into force on March 10 is, prima facie, violated by these advertisements.