The Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for his recent comments targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and has requested a response by Saturday. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached the poll panel against the former Congress president, stating that it was inappropriate for a senior leader to use such language. The Model Code of Conduct prohibits leaders from making unverified allegations against political rivals, a reminder that was included in the notice to Gandhi.
The BJP asserted that Gandhi’s claim of waivers to industrialists of Rs 14,00,000 crore over the last nine years was not supported by facts. The show-cause notice stated that the expression “panauti” could be considered a corrupt practice under the Representation of the People Act due to its implication of divine displeasure or spiritual censure. Gandhi had used the term “panauti” at a recent rally in Rajasthan, loosely referring to someone who brings bad luck.
Additionally, the notice addressed Gandhi’s “pickpocket” dig at Modi, where he alleged that the prime minister diverts people’s attention while industrialist Gautam Adani picks their pockets. The notice also referenced a general advisory by the EC about the declining level of political discourse during electioneering and emphasized the constitutional balance between freedom of speech and the protection of reputation.
Gandhi has been asked to provide an explanation for the allegations and to show cause as to why action should not be initiated for the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct and relevant penal provisions. The deadline for his response is November 25, with a warning that failure to reply will result in appropriate action by the commission.
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