MUMBAI – A pet pooch was detained for flouting India’s election rulesafter it was spotted parading slogans supporting Prime Minister NarendraModi outside polling stations — but “let off with a warning”, authoritiessaid Tuesday.
Police seized the dog and its owner in the western state of Maharashtra onMonday just as voting was under way on the fourth voting day of India’smammoth election that runs to May 19.
“We detained the dog and its owner as it was a polling day and they werewalking around promoting Modi and violating election campaigning rules,”police official Ganpat Phil told AFP.
Campaigning is banned on voting days in areas that are casting ballots.
A complaint was filed under India’s penal code against owner EknathChaudhary for the sticker and placards stating “Modi Lao, Desh Bachchao”(“Bring Modi back, save the country”), Phil said.
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The dog and the owner were released in the town of Nandurbar on Mondayevening and “let off with a warning,” the official added.
Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party are favourites toretain power following the election, results of which are due May 23.-APP/AFP
