Election Commission Asks Facebook To Remove Posters By BJP Leaders With Abhinandan’s Photo

Election Commission has directed Facebook to remove two posters carrying Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s photograph, which are shared by BJP leader and Delhi legislator O.P. Sharma on the social media.

The EC has advised every candidate of every political party to refrain themselves from displaying any kind of photographs related to or involving defence personnel.

The first instance of the EC taking action against a violation of the Model Code of Conduct on social media, the content has reportedly been flagged to Shivnath Thukral, Director, Public Policy for India and South Asia, at Facebook.

The complaint was received by Election Commission on its cVIGIL app, on which citizens can flag such incidents with proof to the EC.

Delhi MLA Om Prakash Sharma, in his defence said that the posters were made before poll dates were announced.

“EC sent me a notice last night. The post was made before LS poll dates were announced. Can’t understand how EC is operating,” Sharma told ANI