Election Commission issues notice to Mallikarjun Kharge for his comments about PM Modi
The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for violating the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct for the use of derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kharge had made these remarks during a press conference in Chennai.
The poll body has asked Mr Kharge to explain his stand within 24 hours. The notice was issued by the Commission after it received complaints from senior BJP leader and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other office bearers of the party in this regard.
The Commission said that it is prima-facie of the opinion that the Congress President has violated the provisions of the MCC.
The notice reads, “Whereas, the Commission is prima facie of the opinion that Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also a Star campaigner of the Indian National Congress in the General Election to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, has violated the aforesaid provisions of the MCC and relevant instructions issued by the Commission brought out at para 9 and 11 respectively…The Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in respect of the above within 24 hours from the issuance of this notice. Take notice that in the event of no response from your side within the time limit stipulated, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference to you”
Earlier in the day, the BJP delegation comprising three Union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman, approached the Election Commission, demanding “strictest action” against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his “terrorist” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sitharaman said, “Today, we appeared before the full commission to bring to its notice that no less a person than the president of the Congress and the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha has spoken in such condemnable words.”