The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday, 7 May, disposed of yet another poll code violation complaint filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this time over his 'Bhrashtachari Number 1' remark against late PM Rajiv Gandhi.
"Prima facie, we did not figure out any literal violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as given in the Election Commission of India instructions. The case is, therefore, disposed of,” the poll body said in a statement, as per ANI.
Modi, during a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, 5 May, took a dig at Rajiv Gandhi while addressing his son, Rahul.
“Your father was termed ‘Mr Clean’ by his courtiers, but his life ended as ‘Bhrashtachari Number 1’,” Modi said.
Many Opposition leaders have condemned the statement, dubbing it as ‘shameful’ and ‘unfortunate’.
Modi Doubles Down on Attack
The following day, he had also “dared” the Congress to a debate on the Bofors scandal and other issues ahead of the last two phases of polling in the Lok Sabha elections.
"A few days ago, I had called a member of the naamdar parivar (dynasty) 'bhrashtachari (corrupt) number 1' and some people got such a severe stomach ache that they started crying aloud. The more they cry, the more will today's generation come to know of the old truths,” he had said.
"How a family looted the country in the 20th century, destroyed it – the youth of the country should know. I am challenging the Congress from this dais that when polling takes place in the remaining phases in Punjab, Delhi and in Bhopal let it fight the elections in the name of Rajiv Gandhi,” he had added.
I am hopeful that the Congress will accept this challenge, he had told an election rally.
Congress Workers Burn Modi Effigy
Congress workers on Tuesday, meanwhile, took out a procession in Tripura’s Agartala and burnt an effigy of PM Modi to protest his remarks against the former PM.
The procession by the Congress workers started from the party office in Agartala and moved through different parts of the city.
The workers chanted slogans against Modi and then burnt his effigy near the Congress Bhavan.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
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