Political parties hail EC`s decision to ban NaMo tea

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The Election Commission`s decision to ban free distribution of tea at stalls in Uttar Pradesh named after BJP`s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi received a warm response from political parties on Tuesday. On Monday, the EC botched up the BJP’s efforts to draw benefits from the “chaiwallah” background of Modi through NaMo tea stalls. The Commission also directed the BJP to seek permission from the concerned District Election Officer before putting up such stalls, but the party still cannot offer free tea. Hailing the EC`s decision, AAP leader Ashutosh said offering free tea is a kind of a bribe. It is good that the EC took a note of it and put a ban on it. Meanwhile, RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha said the stalls were not only offering tea but also selling all kinds of dangerous ideas. I am happy that EC has banned it, added Jha. The BJP installed NaMo tea stalls after Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said Narendra Modi is fit to serve tea at All India Congress Committee (AICC) sessions.