25 Apr. 24: The Election Commission of India has taken action against BJP President J.P. Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge following complaints of alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Notices were issued to both party leaders in response to grievances concerning remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during ongoing election campaigns.
The Election Commission’s move was prompted by complaints regarding statements made by political figures during rallies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at a Rajasthan rally, where he purportedly claimed that the Congress would redistribute property among Muslims if elected, raised concerns. Similarly, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, allegedly contained malign and sinister accusations against Modi.
In response to these complaints, the Election Commission invoked Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, holding party presidents accountable as the initial step to regulate the conduct of star campaigners. The Commission emphasized the responsibility of star campaigners to maintain a higher standard of discourse and to ensure that their speeches contribute positively to political discourse.
Both the BJP and Congress have been instructed to respond to the Election Commission’s notices by April 29. This development underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during the Lok Sabha elections.
