Modi's 3D stunt: Opposition wants EC to probe funding sources

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s hi-tech 3D campaign extravaganza has come under attack from the Opposition and the Congress has decided to move the Election Commission seeking a probe on its source of funding. Opposition parties have criticised the 3D holographic projection campaign using which Modi yesterday addressed four election rallies in as many cities simultaneously. “This extravaganza could have been avoided. The cost involved, as per our information, was Rs 5 crore for each projection and they are planning to use it in all Assembly constituencies (182) of the state,” Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia said today. “We will request the Election Commission to probe the source of funding for such an extravaganza. The money spent behind this campaign can be used for providing education to students, serve those who are suffering from serious diseases or help the farmers,” he said. [caption id=“attachment_528411” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narendra Modi. AP.[/caption] “The BJP, through its ‘dhan dan’ (money donation) programme, collected Rs 500 crore from the people of Gujarat which is being used for such a campaign,” he claimed, adding, “Actually, Modi has failed to deliver on his promises and hence using such gimmicks to woo voters.” Gujarat Parivartan Party leader Gordhan Zadafia said, “As per information available with us, $ 1 million is the cost of 3D holographic projection at one site. Modi spent around Rs 65 crore for yesterday’s programme.” “This money could have been used to help farmers who are committing suicide, but this chief minister is only interested in building his image.” CPM leader Brinda Karat also flayed Modi for spending crores on campaigning through 3D technology. “When the state government has done nothing, they have to resort to such tactics. To magnify whatever little work they have done, the state is spending crores on 3D technology.” Modi’s speech was telecast on specially erected screens in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat with the help of 3D holographic technology and satellite link-ups. The BJP leader claimed this was first such election campaign anywhere in the world. PTI