BJP, Cong seek more time to respond to EC notice on violation of MCC

After the Election Commission of India took notice of alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the BJP has asked for a week while the Congress asked for another 14 days to respond to the notice.

The ECI has invoked Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act and, as a first step, has held party leaders responsible for governing top campaigners.

The national presidents of both parties had to respond to the call until 5 p.m. today.

However, according to the sources, both sides have asked for more time to respond.

“Political parties will have to take primary responsibility for the behavior of their candidates, especially top campaigners. Campaign speeches by those in high positions have more serious consequences,” the election commission said.

The BJP had alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was making a false claim about the rise in poverty in the country and urged the Election Commission to take “strict action” against him.

Complaining to the poll panel, the BJP also accused Gandhi of continuing to create a North-South divide in the country on the basis of language and region, thus tarnishing the atmosphere of the polls.

The Congress approached the poll body and formally filed a complaint seeking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments at an election rally in Rajasthan on Sunday, in which he alleged that the Congress was planning to redistribute public wealth among Muslims.

“The only available remedy consistent with the principle of zero tolerance towards allegations of corrupt practices is the disqualification of candidates who attempt to create a divide between different classes of Indian citizens, regardless of the status or position of that candidate,” the spokesperson said. The congressional memorandum had said.

First print: April 29, 2024 | 11:35 PM IST