Cover 'Shiv Vada Pav' stalls ahead of BMC elections: Nitesh

Mumbai: Swabhimaan Sanghtana chief Nitesh Rane today demanded that the State Election Commissioner direct the owners of the Shiv Sena-sponsored ‘Shiv Vada Pav’ stalls to cover their outlets as it may “influence” voters ahead of the civic elections in the city. “I have given a letter to the State Election Commissioner stating that the Shiv Vada Pav stalls should be covered with cloth as it may influence voters,” Nitesh  said. “Shiv Sena approved the Shiv Vada Pav stall scheme with the help of the civic body. Running the stalls when the model code of conduct is in place is like violating it. By running the stalls they are influencing the voters,” he alleged. [caption id=“attachment_178279” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“The Sena branded ‘Shiv Vada Pav’ was launched over two years ago with the stated aim to provide employment avenue to the Marathi youths.  Reuters”]  [/caption] As per the model code of conduct, political parties cannot organise programmes or anything that would influence voters. Hence, the stalls should be covered, Nitesh said. “The stalls should be covered in the way statues of BSP chief Mayawati and her election symbol elephant are being draped…  same rule applies here,” he said, adding that on refusal to cover the stalls, action should be taken against the Shiv Sena. The Sena branded ‘Shiv Vada Pav’ was launched over two years ago with the stated aim to provide employment avenue to the Marathi youths. Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are slated to be held on 16 February. PTI