Serious consequences: Election Commission goes tough on PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi over poll code violations

The poll body took note of alleged poll code violation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Election Commission of India has sought response from both the parties by 11 am on April 29. 

According to the sources, ECI has taken cognizance of alleged MCC violations by Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) for causing hatred and divide based on religion, caste, community or language.

ECI takes cognizance of alleged MCC violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both BJP and INC had raised allegations of causing hatred and divide based on religion, caste, community, or language.

ECI seeks response by 11 am on 29th April. pic.twitter.com/XbNtrI1a1s

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

The election commission in its statement said, “Political parties will have to take primary and increasing responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences.” 

What are the allegations against PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi?

The move by the Election Commission has come after Congress lodged a complaint against PM for his sharp remarks against Muslim community during campaigning in Rajasthan Banswara on April 21. Referring to Muslims, PM Modi said that the Congress, if voted to power, could distribute the nation's wealth among "infiltrators" and "those who have more children". He then repeated the same remarks in his subsequent rallies at Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Whereas, the BJP approached the poll body to take strict action against Rahul Gandhi over his claim that poverty had increased in the nation. The BJP has also accused Rahul Gandhi of serious disagreements between India's North and South based on language and region.

It is worth to be noted that Election Commission at the time of announcing dates for the Lok Sabha elections, reminded parties and warned politicians not to cross the ‘Red Line’, which includes misleading ads and verbal spat between the rivals during the time of campaigning.