The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has escalated its political battle against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, filing a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI). The BJP alleges that Gandhi’s recent speech in Maharashtra violated the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws. The complaint, submitted by a BJP delegation, focuses on Gandhi’s November 6th speech, where he allegedly made unverified claims about the manufacturing of Apple iPhones and Boeing airplanes in other states at the expense of Maharashtra. The BJP contends that these statements are false and aimed at misleading the public and inciting division between citizens. The party further claims that these statements constitute a deliberate attempt to garner electoral advantage in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections.
The BJP delegation, in their complaint, emphasizes that Maharashtra actually stands as a leader in attracting investments, citing figures showing the state received a significant ₹70,795 crore in direct investment between April and June 2024-25. They assert that Gandhi’s statements are not only false but also dangerous, potentially jeopardizing the unity and integrity of the nation.
The complaint highlights the previous instances of the ECI issuing notices to the Congress party and its leaders for similar actions. The BJP expresses concern over the alleged pattern of such behavior by Gandhi, terming him a ‘serial offender’ and urging the ECI to take firm action against him and the Congress party to prevent further breaches of the Model Code of Conduct. The ECI is now expected to review the complaint and decide on the appropriate course of action. The ongoing Maharashtra Assembly Elections continue to be a hotbed of political activity, with both the BJP and Congress vying for the voters’ support. This latest complaint signifies the intensity of the political battle in the state.
