Election Commission issues notice to Kamal Nath, directs to give reply within 48 hrs

New Delhi, Oct 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI)issued a notice to Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Kamal Nath, seeking an explanation for his "item" jibe against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Imarti Devi. It has also asked to explain his stand within the next 48 hours delaying which, the commission would decide without 'further reference'.

 

 

 

The ECI received a complaint submitted by BJP and the chairperson of the National Commission for women. They had submitted a report including the authorized transcription of the speech made by the leader during a campaign rally on October 18 for the November 3 by-election in Dabra, Gwalior.

 

 

The ECI had already issued a statement in April 2019 that "political parties and candidates to refrain from any deeds/actions/utterances that may be construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women." Further, it also stated, "no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate the existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between caste and communities, religious or linguistics".

 

The ECI has examined the speech and found it in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). It has "given the opportunity to explain the stand in making the statement within 48 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without further reference to you".