ECI issues show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi over his disparaging remarks against PM Modi

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, received a show-cause notice on Thursday from the Election Commission of India for his “Jaibkatra” (Pickpocket) and “Pannauti” comments he made about Prime Minister Modi during an election rally. On November 22, the BJP filed a complaint with ECI regarding Rahul Gandhi’s disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Modi during his rallies.

“Whereas, a complaint has been received from the BJP (copy enclosed) alleging that you, on 22nd November 2023 in a public meeting at Bayatu, District Barmer, Rajasthan made wild allegations and spoke in a derisive and obnoxious manner about the Prime Minister. It is alleged that comparing a PM to a “Jaibkatra” (pickpocket) and using the word “Pannauti” is unbecoming of a very senior leader of a National Political Party. Further, the allegation of grant of waivers of Rs. 14,00,000 crores for the past 9 years, is asserted by the BJP, as not borne out on facts,” the ECI letter to Rahul Gandhi said.
“Furthermore, they are allegedly in violation of Section 123 (4) of the R.P. Act, Section 171G, 504, 505 (2), and 499 of the IPC, and provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.” It added.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi asserted during a rally in Barmer that India’s World Cup final defeat was caused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in the Narendra Modi stadium.

“Our guys were playing well, they would have won the world cup. But ‘Panauti’ made us lose. The TV guys won’t tell you this but people know,” Rahul said while campaigning at Rajasthan’s Barmer on Monday.
The ECI further asked Rahul Gandhi to explain why the action be not taken against him in the matter till November 25.

In its complaint to ECI, the BJP requested that the Congress leader be subject to appropriate action. “It will tarnish the electoral atmosphere, where mistreatment, the use of disagreeable and hurtful words to disparage honorable people, and the dissemination of false information will become inevitable,” the BJP claimed.