Narendra Modi 'Selfie' Lands Him In Trouble

By Neville Lazarus, India Producer

The politician leading the race to become India's new prime minister has been accused of flouting election rules.

Narendra Modi breached election laws by flashing his party's symbol - a Lotus - and making a political speech at a polling booth, the Election Commission said.

Officials have ordered police in Gujarat to lodge two criminal cases against the prime ministerial candidate, from the right wing Bharitya Janata party.

Mr Modi, who voted at the school, tweeted a selfie of his inked finger against the party symbol the Lotus, while at the polling station, and outside.

Narendra Modi takes another selfie outside the polling station

According to the electoral laws, politicians must not make public rallies or use media to "display to the public any election campaign materials within 48 hours of an election and also within 100m of the polling station".

Candidates have also been reminded that it is against the rules to enter a polling station with caps, shawls and clothes bearing the symbol of any political party.

The Election Commission stated that Mr Modi's address to the media and voters outside the school was "intended and calculated to influence and affect the result of elections in the constituencies going to polls today".

The politician is accused of making a political speech

If convicted Mr Modi faces a two-year jail sentence - but commentators say this is unlikely to happen.

The Election Commission order has also directed the police to carry proceedings and file cases against news channels and other electronic media which showed the footage.

Mr Modi reacted to the controversy saying: "One can understand if someone points (threatens with) a knife, a pistol or a gun (and case is registered). But do you know why (the case) was registered against me? Because I showed a lotus to the people."

The ruling Congress party was elated with the decision, however.

Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad said: "Stern action should be taken against him. Everyone in the country will know that a person who is a candidate for prime minister is violating guidelines openly and knowingly and has no respect for constitutional norms."

Thousands of people turned out to cheer the prime ministerial candidate

With 814 million eligible voters, India's general election is the world's biggest exercise in democracy.

The governing Congress party, which has ruled India for a decade, is battling the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for power.

With just over two weeks to go for the results of all voters all indications show an edge for Mr Modi, who is ahead in all of the polls.

Mr Modi is serving his fourth term as chief minister of the developed state of Gujarat.

Only two more phases of voting are left of the marathon Indian elections for 545 seats in the Indian Parliament.

Polling began on April 7 and will conclude on May 12. Votes will be counted on May 16.

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