Fresh notice to Rahul Gandhi for targeting PM Narendra Modi

Bhopal : The Election Commission has issued a fresh notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi for violating the model code of conduct by saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new policy says that "tribals can be shot at." The poll panel has sought a response from Rahul Gandhi within 48 hours over the remark he made during a Lok Sabha Election 2019 rally in Madhya Pradesh.

The complaint was filed by the BJP’s Election Commission Committee, Om Pathak and Neeraj. As mentioned in the complaint, Rahul Gandhi said, "Now, Narendra Modi has made a new law for Adivasis (tribals). In that law, there is a line that says that tribals can be shot dead. It is also mentioned that tribals can face encounters, their land can be stolen."

In a letter dated April 30, the Election Commission sought a report on the aforesaid complaint from the Madhya Pradesh Electoral officer, following the order, the CEO submitted a letter with a transcript of Rahul Gandhi's speech.

After examining the speech, the poll panel said that it is a clear case of violation of model code of conduct. Further, the EC added that if Rahul fails to submit an explanation within 48 hours, an immediate decision will be taken by the Committee “without further reference to him”.

The MCC came into effect from March 10, when Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora announced the schedule of Lok Sabha elections in the country.