Right to propagate party ideology: Rahul Gandhi to Election Commission

NEW DELHI: Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi defended his allegations against BJP in his reply to an Election Commission show-cause notice for breach of model code. Gandhi — who had in speeches in electionbound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan accused BJP of indulging in politics of hatred — told EC that he had the right to propagate his party ideology.

Gandhi denied the charge he had intended to exploit communal sentiments and added he was “referring to divisive politics.” Gandhi said he was “legally entitled to talk about his party’s ideology and about rivals” but made no mention of his comments on ISI.

Gandhi’s reply reached Nirvachan Sadan just before the 11.30 am extended deadline set by the panel. EC’s notice followed a complaint by BJP that alleged he had violated the model code by ‘appealing for votes on communal lines’ and ‘incited hatred’ among different communities. After receiving Gandhi’s reply, CEC VS Sampath held a discussion with the other two ECs. EC’s decision is expected in the next couple of days.

The EC, after examining Gandhi’s speeches made in Churu and Indore, had asked him to explain why action should not be initiated against him for prima facie violation of the model code.

“The EC is prima facie of the view that your aforesaid speeches are violative of above-referred sub paras (1), (2) and (3) of Para 1 of the Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates,” the EC notice served on him had said.

The model code prescribes that “no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”.