'Generalised defence' in Congress reply; to meet ECI tomorrow

New Delhi: Congress is learnt to have given a 'generalised defence' in its reply to the Election Commission of India's notice for Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks on 'north-south divide.' The reply focussed specifically on Prime Minister Narendra Modi labelling its manifesto as that of the Muslim League, and said it was unfounded, misleading and false.

The BJP, however, has sought a second extension to ECI's notice over Modi claiming in his speech in Rajasthan's Banswara that if the Opposition alliance assumes power, it 'would snatch even mangal sutras and give it to infiltrators.' ECI had directed party presidents of BJP and Congress to reply by April 29 and Congress replied on May 6, after seeking an extension.

In its reply, Congress also said if given an appointment with ECI it can clarify on the issue. ECI, thereafter, is learnt to have invited a Congress delegation to meet officials on Thursday. The development comes even as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to INDIA bloc constituents on its suspicions in delay in ECI publishing final Lok Sabha polling data for Phases 1 and 2.


Kharge's letter is learnt to also listed a series of concerns and complaints related to Model Code on Conduct and alleged violations by BJP. ECI is yet to take a view on the Congress reply as well as on BJP's request for more time to reply to the notice it sent on Modi's 'mangal sutra snatching' remarks.

ECI sources claimed the poll body has acted on 'several' Congress complaints, the latest being objectionable BJP4Karnataka 'X' handle post. ECI notices to BJP and Congress presidents firmly held the political parties accountable for the conduct of their star campaigners and candidates and made clear that it will pursue violations of model code of conduct directly with them.