Mr Modi appealed to voters to go out and vote in vast numbers.
The Congress has said the Election Commission should take "cognisance" of a video message that
Narendra Modi released today as 41 constituencies across three states vote.
Among those constituencies is Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh where Mr Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, is locked in a prestige battle with Aam Aadmi Party chief
Arvind Kejriwal and the Congress' Ajai Rai.
Mr Modi tweeted a link to his almost seven-minute video this morning with the message, "All those voting in today's phase- Have you voted? If not please go to the polling booth! Sharing my video message ". (
Also Read: Modi in Varanasi: 4 Kms in 3 Hours And a Show of Strength)
"How can the channels show Modi's speech today in violation of the code of conduct? Election Commission should take cognisance immediately," said Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken, also on Twitter.
In his video, Mr Modi, in a blue kurta and an orange stole draped over his shoulders, talks about enthusiastic voting in "extreme heat" in polls held over eight phases so far, noting the large turnout of women and the youth. (Also Read:
Modi, Kejriwal Locked in Blockbuster Battle)
He also asks the Election Commission to "ensure peaceful voting" today, the last phase, by deploying "central forces."
He makes more than one mention of Varanasi and its cultural heritage. Mr Modi did not visit Varanasi, from where he is contesting his first election for Parliament, as it voted today. His main opponents were there and made assertions that they would win. (
Kejriwal Says His fight is With Modi, Incorrect Says Congress' Ajay Rai)
This morning Mr Modi's party had complained that the Congress' Ajai Rai turned up to vote with a party symbol pinned to his kurta. Mr Rai said he had done so inadvertently, but a first information report or FIR has been registered against him for violation of election rules. (
BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi Defends Congress' Ajay Rai)
The Commission had ordered an FIR against Mr Modi too for flashing his party's symbol, the lotus, and making a speech near a booth in Gandhinagar where he voted on April 30. (
First Ever FIR Against Me, I Won't Forget This Day: Modi)
The Congress had complained to the Election Commission immediately after Mr Modi's press interaction. It had also accused Mr Modi of being "a serial offender"; it had earlier objected to the release of the BJP manifesto on April 7, when voting in the nine-phase general election began.