Popular hindi expression 'khooni panja' used figuratively: Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: In his reply to the Election Commission notice over his “khooni panja” remark, Narendra Modi has said the ‘ khooni panja’ and ‘zalim haath’ remarks are popular Hindi expressions used only figuratively. “It is used as a colloquial metaphor,” he said.

In his reply filed this evening before the Commission, a day ahead of the deadline, Modi said he has only exercised his right of free speech by criticising the policies and work of Congress and thus has not violated the Model Code.

Although the Commission received the reply on Tuesday, no decision was taken immediately. “Yes, we have received it (Modi’s reply), but we haven’t looked at it yet,” said a senior EC official, who did not wish to be identified.

The BJP leaders will also complain against Congress leaders, including its vice president Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of continuously violating the Model Code by making all kinds of statements and allegations against Modi and BJP. Modi has said he has not made any wild allegation against the Congress and its leaders and whatever said by him is not unverified and is very much in public domain.