Election Commission Bars Yusuf Pathan from Using 2011 World Cup Photos in Campaign

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken action against former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan, who is the Trinamool Congress nominee from Baharampur in Murshidabad district for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The ECI has barred Pathan from using pictures from India’s triumphant campaign in the 2011 ODI World Cup during his poll campaign.

Earlier this week, the Congress filed a complaint with the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, alleging that Pathan violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using photos of Sachin Tendulkar while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.

Pathan, the elder brother of former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, was a part of the India team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni that won the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2011.

According to sources in the CEO’s office, after carefully evaluating the complaint, the poll panel found merit in the Congress’ argument. They stated that India’s victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup was a matter of pride for every Indian, and that sentiment should not be exploited by any political party to attract voters’ attention.

As a result, the Commission has directed Pathan to remove all campaign materials featuring pictures related to India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup.

Following the Congress’ complaint, Pathan defended himself by asserting that he had every right to use the World Cup-related pictures since he was a part of the winning team. However, the Election Commission’s decision stands firm in enforcing the Model Code of Conduct regulations.