The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Arjun Modhvadia for violating the Model Code of Conduct, after he made objectionable remarks on personal life and character of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
BJP state unit general secretary Balkrishna Shukla had petitioned the EC about one of Modhvadia’s speeches wherein the latter had compared the Chief Minister “with a monkey” and spoken about his “married life”.
Upon seeing the CD of his speech, the poll panel, in its meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath, decided to issue the notice to Modhvadia.
“The Commission has considered the matter and is of the view that Modhvadia’s statement prima facie constitutes violation of the Model Code of Conduct which prohibits personal attacks on the leaders of rival political parties and criticism of all aspects of their private life,” the EC notice said.
The EC has asked Modhvadia to reply in writing by 5 pm on November 24 on the notice failing which action will be initiated without any further reference.
“Criticism of other political parties and candidates, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work.
“Parties and candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties,” says the relevant part of the Model Code of Conduct which, according to the poll panel, has been violated by Modhvadia.
A Congress spokesperson refused to comment on the EC notice saying that Modhvadia was capable enough of replying to the same.