ECI takes cognizance of 'MCC violations' by Modi, Rahul
The Election Commission of India on Thursday said that it has taken cognizance of the alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both leaders reportedly face the allegation of "causing division based on religion, caste, community...language." The ECI has sought responses from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party by April 29.
Why does this story matter?
A row erupted after PM Modi's speech on April 21 in Rajasthan's Banswara in which he said that the Congress plans to distribute people's hard-earned money to "infiltrators" and "those with more children." The Congress had moved the ECI a day later, seeking action against PM Modi's "hate speech." Separately, Gandhi has been reportedly accused of making false claims about "rise in poverty."
PM's attack on Congress in Rajasthan
Last Sunday, the PM mounted an attack on the Congress during a poll rally in the western state. He said, "This urban Naxal mindset, my mothers and sisters, they will not even leave your 'mangalsutra'. They can go to that level," PM Modi. In response, the Congress said it would "educate" PM Modi about its manifesto.
No mention of 'wealth distribution' in Congress manifesto
To be sure, the Congress manifesto calls for a national socioeconomic and caste census to lay the groundwork for affirmative action. There is no mention of a wealth redistribution plan.
Congress moved ECI over PM's speech
On Monday, the Congress approached the ECI and said that the prime minister had made "blatantly defamatory," "false" and "unverified allegations" against the Congress. Stating that it was a "trial of the EC" too, the Congress said the poll panel "risks tarnishing its legacy and abandoning its Constitutional duty by setting a precedent of helpless inaction that will go down in infamy."
