The Election Commission on Tuesday, 30 April, gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi a clean chit over Congress’ complaint alleging Model Code of Conduct violation during his speech in Maharashtra’s Wardha, which the Congress had termed ‘divisive’.
“The Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed,” the EC statement said.
Modi had claimed in a rally at Wardha, Maharashtra on 1 April, that the Congress had been forced to contest from places dominated by the minority community, referring to Rahul Gandhi’s decision to fight from Wayanad.
“The Congress insulted Hindus and the people of the country have decided to punish the party in the election. Leaders of that party are now scared of contesting from constituencies dominated by the majority (Hindu) population. That is why they are forced to take refuge in places where the majority is a minority,” Modi said.
The Congress on Friday, 5 April moved the EC against Modi’s speech alleging that the comments were “hateful and divisive.”
Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Modi has committed a "corrupt practice" under Section 123 of the Representation of People's Act besides violating the dignity of the office he holds.
“He must apologise to the nation. He has insulted the freedom movement, he has insulted entire southern India, he has insulted the composite culture of India, he has insulted the India that is unified by its multiple cultures as also languages, religions, castes and creeds. The Election Commission must take note of this and take action against Narendra Modi.”
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)