PM, Rahul Gandhi’s 'violations': Election body takes note, seeks reply
The Election Commission has taken note of alleged model code of conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi.
In Short
- Election Commission seeks responses from BJP, Congress by April 29
- Congress had moved ECI over PM's 'wealth to infiltrators' remark
- BJP had accused Rahul Gandhi of creating 'North-South divide'
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday took note of alleged model code of conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The poll panel sought responses from both the Congress and BJP by April 29.
Both BJP and Congress had raised allegations against Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi respectively for causing hatred through their election campaign speeches.
The ECI invoked Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act and held party presidents responsible, as a first step, to reign in star campaigners.
The Election Commission shared the alleged model code violations by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi with BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The ECI has sought a response from them by 11 am on April 29.
While serving notice, the ECI noted that campaign speeches by those holding high positions were of more serious consequences.
"Political parties will have to take primary and increasing responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences," the poll watchdog said.
WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PM MODI, RAHUL GANDHI?
The Congress had lodged a complaint with the ECI against the Prime Minister for his remarks at a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara on April 21.
At the rally, PM Modi said the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation's wealth among "infiltrators" and "those who have more children" - a reference to the Muslim community.
The Prime Minister has gone on to repeat the allegations at subsequent rallies in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
PM Modi had made the remark citing the Congress's election manifesto. However, the manifesto does not mention the aspect highlighted by PM Modi.
On the other hand, the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking "firm action" against Rahul Gandhi over his claim that poverty had increased in the nation.
The BJP has also accused Rahul Gandhi of creating a rift between India's North and South based on language and region.