'ECI Scrutinizes Alleged Model Code Violations by Modi and Gandhi
On Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) took cognizance of alleged violations of the model code of conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The poll body has sought responses from both the Congress and BJP by April 29.
Accusations and Allegations
The BJP and Congress have traded allegations against each other, accusing their respective leaders of inciting hatred through campaign speeches. The ECI has invoked Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, holding party presidents responsible for reining in their star campaigners.
The ECI has shared the alleged violations by Modi and Gandhi with BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting their responses by 11 am on April 29.
The ECI emphasized the serious consequences of campaign speeches made by those holding high positions. It stressed that political parties bear the primary responsibility for ensuring the conduct of their candidates, particularly star campaigners.
Specific Allegations
Narendra Modi:
The Congress lodged a complaint against Modi for his remarks at a rally in Rajasthan, where he suggested that the Congress would distribute the nation's wealth among 'infiltrators' and families with 'more children' - an apparent reference to the Muslim community.n Modi repeated these allegations at subsequent rallies in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, citing the Congress's election manifesto. However, the manifesto does not contain the aspects highlighted by Modi.
Rahul Gandhi:
The BJP approached the ECI seeking action against Gandhi for claiming that poverty had increased under the current government.n The BJP also accused Gandhi of creating a rift between India's North and South based on language and region.
The ECI's scrutiny of these alleged violations underscores its commitment to ensuring a fair and impartial electoral process. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it could potentially impact the outcome of the ongoing elections.'
