Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has received a big shock from the Election Commission of India. ECI on Friday ordered the former cricketer not to use any banner or poster related to the 2011 World Cup. Let us tell you that Pathan is the candidate of Mamata Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat in Murshidabad district of Bengal. He is in contest with veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhary on this seat.
It is noteworthy that Yusuf Pathan had shown former Team India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in his banner, regarding which Congress had filed a complaint with the Election Commission on March 26. Team India won the ODI World Cup hosted by Bharti in 2011. At that time the captain of the cricket team was Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Yusuf Pathan, elder brother of former all-rounder player Irfan Pathan, was also a part of the team.
Congress had gone to EC against Yusuf Pathan
Congress alleged that Pathan used the moment of winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup as an election campaign banner. Reportedly, they have used pictures of personalities like ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sachin, which is a violation of the model code of conduct. The State Congress had approached the Election Commission in this regard. In the charge sheet given to the Commission, Congress said that winning the World Cup was a proud moment for the entire country. This moment should not be used for political gains. When the commission sought a report from the district magistrate, provincial president Adhir Chaudhary said, “If photographs of important people of the country are not used with their permission, then it is definitely a violation of the code of conduct.”
What did the CEO say?
The Chief Election Commission (CEO) office said, “After taking cognizance of the complaint, the Election Commission found the argument made by the Congress to be strong, as India’s victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup was a matter of pride for every Indian.” It was a matter of concern, therefore this sentiment should not be exploited by any political party to attract the attention of voters.”
Yusuf had made his claim
The Election Commission has also ordered the former Indian cricketer to remove all the election banners containing pictures related to India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup. At the same time, after Congress filed a complaint on Tuesday, Pathan had claimed that he had every right to use the pictures related to the World Cup, because he was a part of the winning team.
Yusuf was a member of the 2011 world winning team
It is known that when India won the 50 over Cricket World Cup in 2011, Yusuf was a member of the team. He used the World Cup winning moment and the picture with former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in his election campaign. The opposition had called it a violation of election rules.
I am proud to play for India, says Yusuf
Regarding the comment and instructions by the Election Commission, Yusuf said, ‘I am proud to play for India. If that moment of pride is highlighted then I don’t think there is any injustice in it.’ Voting will be held in Baharampur on May 13.
-Rahul Dubey