Pitting states against each other? BJP calls out Rahul Gandhi for misinformation, election code violations

Maharashtra News: The BJP further alleged that Gandhi’s speech encouraged youth in Maharashtra to harbor resentment, particularly due to his claims that projects involving Apple iPhones and Boeing airplanes were diverted to other states.

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Rahul Gandhi (ANI (File))

Maharashtra News: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission on Monday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he is “pitting states against each other” and spreading false claims that the BJP is planning to “destroy the Constitution.” This complaint follows Gandhi’s recent remarks in Maharashtra on November 6, where he allegedly criticized the BJP and RSS in what the BJP describes as an attempt to incite regional and political discontent.

Union Minister Leads Delegation to Election Commission

The BJP delegation, led by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, met with Election Commission officials to file the complaint. Meghwal accused Gandhi of misleading voters for the upcoming Maharashtra elections by “waving the Constitution” and falsely suggesting that the BJP intends to dismantle it. Meghwal stated, “Rahul Gandhi tried to lie once again for the Maharashtra election. He attempted to pit states against each other… This is false. We said that this should be stopped.”

Allegations of Habitual Violations and Demands for Action

According to Meghwal, the BJP’s complaint highlighted Gandhi’s history of allegedly spreading misinformation and divisive rhetoric. The BJP is calling for the Election Commission to take strong measures, including filing an FIR under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). The complaint described Gandhi’s actions as repetitive and intentional, emphasizing that his statements continue despite previous warnings and notices from election authorities.

Alleged Violation of the Model Code of Conduct

The BJP asserted that Gandhi’s speech constitutes a “gross violation” of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which has been in effect in Maharashtra since October 15, 2024. The complaint references a purported statement by Gandhi in which he accused the BJP and RSS of manipulating educational institutions by appointing vice-chancellors based solely on their membership in the RSS, disregarding their qualifications. “If you want to become vice-chancellor, take an RSS membership,” Gandhi reportedly said, adding that this criterion extends beyond one institution and affects educational standards nationwide.

BJP Claims Gandhi’s Speech Incites Division

The BJP further alleged that Gandhi’s speech encouraged youth in Maharashtra to harbor resentment, particularly due to his claims that projects involving Apple iPhones and Boeing airplanes were diverted to other states. They argued that his remarks aimed to create “disaffection, enmity, and ill-will” among states, which could potentially threaten national unity. The BJP complaint stated, “His nefarious attempt to create a rift between the citizens of India on the basis of place, caste, and religion is solely aimed to achieve electoral gains in the ongoing assembly elections in Maharashtra.”

BJP’s Call for Strict Action

The BJP has requested that the Election Commission take strict action against Rahul Gandhi’s campaign conduct, which they describe as “false, unsubstantiated, and unverified.” They allege that his rhetoric undermines the nation’s stability and has “immensely dangerous” implications for India’s integrity.