The Sena claimed that the advertisement, carried in a national English daily, on polling day, was influencing voters to favour BJP.
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday approached the State Election Commission (SEC) seeking strict action against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP for allegedly defaming the party.
The Sena claimed that the advertisement, carried in a national English daily, on polling day, was influencing voters to favour BJP.
The party has alleged that the advertisement published in the newspaper appeared to be "a voter encouragement drive" on behalf of actor Aamir Khan's NGO Mumbai First, which also features the film star. However, it was a hidden advertisement of the BJP, claimed Sena.
"This is nothing but an act of corrupt practices by the CM and the BJP to influence voters," says the petition filed by a Yuva Sena member advocate Dharmendra Mishra. The complaint has been sent to BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta and Commissioner of Police Datta Padsalgikar.
A day before, the Sena has also made a similar complaint to the SEC accusing Fadnavis for violating the model code by giving 'interviews' to TV channels. The SEC is yet to take a call on the twin complaints. While the CM was unavailable for comments, BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, "The BJP has no connection with Khan's advertisement. Moreover, the CM has not violated any rule while giving interviews to TV channels or newspapers."
Top SEC officials admitted that the said advertisement, which was also published in a Marathi supplement of the same media house, qualifies to be a 'surrogate' one and has the potential to woo voters.
"We would be examining both the cases seeking all details from all the concerned parties," said State Election Commission chief JS Saharia. However, sources said the watchdog was helpless due to lack of provisions related to surrogate advertisements and interviews given to media houses.
"We need proof which says payments were made by the BJP for Khan's advertisement, which is a tough thing in such cases," said an official.
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