EC takes note of MCC violations by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi; seeks response from BJP, Cong leaders – Firstpost
Both parties accuse each other of inciting hatred and division based on religion, caste and community. Party chairmen were held accountable under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act.
The Election Commission of India on Thursday took cognizance of alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for inciting hatred and spreading false information.
Seeking a response from the BJP and Congress by April 29, the poll body said in a statement: “Political parties will have to take primary responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, especially star campaigners. The campaign speeches of those in high office have more serious consequences.”
Two separate letters were sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP president JP Nadda, asking them to direct star campaigners to practice “high standards of political discourse”.
Both parties accuse each other of inciting hatred and division based on religion, caste and community. Party chairmen were held accountable under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act.
What was the BJP’s accusation?
Earlier this week, the saffron party accused Congressman Rahul Gandhi of making misleading statements about India’s poverty, asking the EC to take “strict action” against him.
The BJP delegation including national general secretary Tarun Chugh said, “Rahul Gandhi is running a false campaign that 20 million more people have become poor in the country while he has no evidence to back his claim.” »
What was Congress’ accusation?
Meanwhile, the grand old party accused PM Modi of trying to create differences between religions in his speech at Banswara in Rajasthan, where he said: “Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they declared that Muslims had the first right to the country’s assets. This means to whom will this property be distributed? It will be distributed to those who have more children. It will be distributed to infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?
“The only remedy available consistent with the principle of zero tolerance towards allegations of corrupt practices is the disqualification of candidates who attempt to create division between different classes of Indian citizens, irrespective of the stature or position of this candidate,” he said. According to the Congressional memorandum to the EC.
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