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EC sends notice to Rahul over alleged hate speech
New Delhi, May 9 (IBNS): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a show cause notice to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that if Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power then 22,000 people will be killed in violence.
The ECI in its notice stated the reason for this step and wrote: "Whereas, the General Election to Lok Sabha was announced on 5th March, 2014...the provisions of Model code of conduct were imposed."
It said criticisms of other parties "based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided."
It also said "there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes."
"The Commission is, prima facie, of the opinion that by making the...statement you have violated...provisions of the Model Code of Conduct," ECI said in its notice.
The Commission provided Rahul with time till May 12 to explain his stand.
"Now, therefore, the Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in
making the above said statement before 11:00 AM on 12th May, 2014 failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without further reference to you," it said.
This comes after Rahul addressing an election rally in Solan in Himachal Pradesh on May 1 allegedly 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 in India...they say whether people of India will fight with each other or not? If BJP comes to power, there will be fights and if BJP comes to power, 22,000 people will die. Because they spread terror."
The BJP had complained to the EC over the matter and had submitted a news clip of Dainik Bhaskar and a video CD of Rahul's speech.
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