The Election Commission of India has directed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) to submit their responses concerning complaints filed against remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and senior party member Mallikarjun Kharge.
The complaints stem from alleged divisive statements made by PM Modi during an election rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara district. Opposition parties have accused the Prime Minister of violating the Model Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
The Election Commission has asked the BJP and the Congress to submit their responses within 48 hours. The Commission will then review the responses and decide whether any further action is necessary.
The Model Code of Conduct prohibits political parties and candidates from making statements that could incite communal or regional tensions. It also prohibits them from making personal attacks on their opponents.
The BJP and the Congress have both stated that they will cooperate with the Election Commission’s investigation. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan, which are scheduled to be held on December 7.
