NEW DELHI: The opposition on Sunday accused PM Narendra Modi of shedding “crocodile tears” over women’s quota, as it stepped up its attack on him for delivering a “political speech in the garb of an address to the nation“. Highlighting that the PM “spewed venom” against the opposition for 29 minutes on Doordarshan, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “How could the PM use this platform, funded by taxpayers’ money, to push forward his political agenda when the model code of conduct is in effect... How does EC not take suo motu cognisance of exploitation of govt machinery for pure political purpose?” CPM general secretary MA Baby, in a complaint to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleged “serious violation” of the model code of conduct.

“The content, tone, and messaging of the address can by no stretch of imagination be termed govt communication. It was blatantly political, targeting the opposition parties... and seeking to influence public opinion, including voters of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal,” he said. CPI’s Rajya Sabha MP Sandosh Kumar P also wrote to CEC seeking an inquiry.