With the model code of conduct in place for the approaching Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023, the Election Commission of India on October 26 issued a show-cause notice to Congress politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an allegedly offensive remark she made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly filed a complaint with the ECI on October 21st, alleging that in addition to falsely disparaging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi also made reference to PM Modi’s personal religious beliefs. This led to the issuance of the notice that follows.
Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with party heavyweights Anil Baluni and Om Pathak, were part of the BJP group that filed a complaint with the EC requesting that the Congress general secretary be sued.
As to the BJP’s grievance, Vadra stated at a public gathering in Dausa on October 20 that she witnessed on television that upon opening an envelope containing donations made by Modi at a temple, the contents contained only ₹21. She further stated that she observed the news agency and is uncertain if the assertion is accurate or not.
She continued with a political assault on the BJP, claiming that despite the party showing “envelopes” to the public, nothing was discovered in them following the votes. The BJP submitted a video of her comments in their complaint.
Rajasthan is set to hold assembly elections on November 25.
Meghwal, cited by news agency, asserted that the claim regarding Modi’s donation is false and has been emphasised by the media. She asked, “Is Priyanka Gandhi beyond the law? Does she think there are any laws? She is sowing discord by appealing to her religious sentiments. She’s not capable of it.”
The BJP’s complaint to the EC stated, “This statement of Priyanka Gandhi has violated the very basic foundation of free & fair elections by invoking the personal religious devotion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” They added that she is not aware of its veracity.
The BJP said that Gandhi’s remarks violated the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of People Act.
