Election Commission Issues Notice to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Over Alleged Code of Conduct Violation
The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, following allegations of a violation of the Model Code of Conduct during a public rally at Sanwer Assembly Constituency in Madhya Pradesh.
In the notice dated November 14, 2023, the Election Commission refers to a complaint from the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made unverified and false statements regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the rally. The statements have been deemed potentially misleading to the public and damaging to the Prime Minister’s image.
The Election Commission points out that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s remarks may violate Clause 4.4.2 (B) (v) of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits the criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortions.
The notice highlights the significance of maintaining high standards of electoral campaigning and emphasizes that the Model Code of Conduct aims not only to prevent direct violations but also attempts to vitiate the electoral space through suggestive or indirect statements.
The Election Commission has called upon Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to explain her statement against the star campaigner of another National Party and show cause by 20:00 hrs of November 16, 2023, as to why appropriate action for the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against her.
In case of no response within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has nothing to say in the matter, and the Election Commission may proceed to take appropriate action without further reference to her.
The notice underlines the responsibility of political leaders to uphold the dignity of public discourse and refraining from making false, misleading, or inappropriate statements that could impact the electoral process.
