Respond to Modi’s ‘divisive, defamatory speech’ in Rajasthan: ECI to BJP

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has for the first time taken note of alleged model code violations by a prime minister. The Commission has asked the BJP to respond to complaints from opposition parties accusing Modi of delivering a divisive and defamatory speech in Banswara, Rajasthan.

Similarly, the poll panel has asked the Congress to address complaints filed by the BJP against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi for their respective remarks.

The Election Commission’s letter to BJP President J P Nadda requested a response by Monday to complaints from the Congress, CPI, and CPI (ML) regarding Modi’s remarks made on April 21 in Banswara. The Commission urged Nadda to ensure that all star campaigners of the party uphold high standards of political discourse and adhere to the model code of conduct.

This action marks the first instance where the Election Commission has addressed complaints against a sitting prime minister. The Commission has utilized provisions of the Representation of the People Act by initially engaging with party presidents to regulate star campaigners.

Separate but similarly-worded letters were sent to the Congress president concerning allegations made against him and Rahul Gandhi by the BJP. While not naming individuals directly, the Commission attached representations received with details of allegations against Modi, Gandhi, and Kharge.

According to the Congress complaint, Modi’s speech alleged that the Congress aimed to redistribute wealth to Muslims and would not spare women’s ‘mangalsutra’.

Conversely, the BJP accused Gandhi of making malicious and sinister allegations against Modi during a speech in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Additionally, Kharge was accused of violating the model code by claiming discrimination against SCs and STs regarding his invitation status to the Ram temple consecration ceremony.