Lok Sabha elections: EC seeks response from PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi over MCC violations

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India on Thursday took cognizance of Model Code of Conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi for allegedly inciting hatred and spreading false claims.
The poll body has sought response by April 29, 11am.
Both the parties had accused each other of inciting hatred and division based on religion, caste, community, or language.
According to EC's notice, Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act has been invoked and it has held party presidents accountable for reining in star campaigners.
"Political parties will have to take primary responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences," the Election Commission said in statement.
On Monday, the BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making misleading claims about the country's rising poverty rate and requested the Election Commission to take "strict action" against him.

The BJP filed a complaint with the poll panel, accusing Gandhi of continuing to create a North-South split in the country based on language and geography in order to vitiate the election climate.
Congress had approached the election board and filed an official complaint requesting action against PM Modi.
"The only available remedy compatible with the principle of zero tolerance towards allegations of corrupt practices, is the disqualification of the candidates who try to create a divide between different classes of the citizens of India regardless of the stature or position of that candidate," the Congress memorandum had said.