EC seeks reply on code violations by Shah, Rahul

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday sought explanation from the BJP and Congress over comments made by Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in alleged violation of the model code of conduct. The poll panel has sought responses from BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge by Monday. They have also been asked to comment on complaints received by the poll panel against their star campaigners. The EC attached copies of the complaints in its communication to the parties.

This comes after both parties filed complaints against each other with the EC. On November 11, the BJP lodged a complaint with the EC, accusing Rahul of making “inflammatory” statements, including his claim that the ruling party was trying to “destroy the Constitution”.

Claiming that Rahul’s remarks were divisive and aimed at stoking tensions between states, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the BJP delegation had met the CEC to raise the issue.

On November 13, the Congress filed a complaint with the EC against Modi and Shah, accusing them of making divisive and false statements during their campaign speeches in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said the party had asked the EC to investigate the BJP for poll code violations. Ramesh also highlighted that in his speeches, Modi made accusations against prominent Congress leaders, including former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, claiming they were opposed to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Shah had accused the Congress and its allies of being opposed to these communities and promoting terrorism in the country. In its letter to Kharge, the poll panel said the EC was in receipt of a complaint dated November 11 from the BJP, alleging violation of provisions of the model code of conduct by star campaigners of the Congress during canvassing for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra Assembly elections and several Lok Sabha byelections.

Elections to the remaining 38 seats in Jharkhand and 288 seats in Maharashtra will take place on November 20.

Cong, BJP allege inflammatory speeches

Nov 11: The BJP lodges a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Rahul Gandhi of making inflammatory statements

Nov 13: The Congress files a complaint against PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of making divisive and false statements during the ongoing election campaign