BackIn reply to EC, Rahul Gandhi denies violating model code
Gandhi clarifies that he was only referring to the popular perception of BJP among people
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New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi is understood to have denied violating the model code of conduct in his reply to the Election Commission’s (EC’s) show-cause notice for his reported remarks that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power, 22,000 people will be killed in violence. The Congress vice-president is learnt to have told the poll panel that he was only referring to the perception of the people about the BJP and did not violate the model code of conduct, sources said.
According to the notice issued by EC on 9 May, Rahul, while addressing an election rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, on 1 May, had reportedly said “people from Japan ask me...they say we are scared over one issue. We will help you, we will prepare roads. But we are scared whether there will be peace...they say whether people of India will fight with each other or not? This fear is there in our lives as well. If there is BJP, there will be violence. If there is BJP, 22,000 people will die, because they spread anger...this question was never raised before."
The BJP had moved EC against Gandhi for his remarks. EC had reminded Gandhi of the provision in the model code which states that no party or candidate would indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred. The show cause notice also referred to the provision which refrains parties and candidates from making distorted or unverified allegations and limit their criticism to policies and programmes of rival parties.
The Commission had asked Rahul to respond to the notice by Tuesday. But on Gandhi’s request, the Commission extended the deadline till the morning of 15 May.
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