ISLAMABAD – In desperation, Modi’s BJP using Indian Army Chief photos torun election propaganda campaign for the upcoming elections, Indian mediahas reported.

The Election Commission on Saturday warned all the political parties todesist from displaying photographs of defence personnel in advertisementsor otherwise as part of their election propaganda or campaigning.

The direction came after a complaint by the ministry of defence, HindustanTimes has reported.

In a press statement the EC said that the ministry of defence had broughtto its notice that photographs of defence personnel were being used bypolitical parties, their leaders and candidates in advertisements as partof their election propaganda and requested the Commission to issue suitableinstructions in this regard.

“It is pertinent to mention that the armed forces of a nation are theguardians of its frontiers, security and the political system. They areapolitical and neutral stakeholders in a modern democracy.

It is therefore necessary that political parties and leaders exercise greatcaution while making any reference to the armed forces in their politicalcampaigns.

The Commission is of the view that photographs of chief of army staff orany other defence personnel and photographs of functions of defence forcesshould not be associated with or used in any manner inadvertisement/propaganda/campaigning or in any other manner in connectionwith elections by political parties and candidates.”