The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday issued a show cause notice to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his ‘panauti’, and pickpocket remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The EC said it received complaint from the BJP against the Congress MP over remarks he made at an election rally in Rajasthan’s Barmer.
“It is alleged that comparing a prime minister to a ‘jaibkatra’ (pickpocket) and using the word ‘panauti’ is unbecoming of a very senior leader of national political party. Further, the allegation of grant of waivers of ₹14,00,000 crore for the past nine years, is asserted by the BJP, as not borne out on facts,” the EC said in a statement.
Gandhi has been asked to appear before the EC on November 25.
The ruling BJP had approached the EC against the former Congress president, saying it was “unbecoming” of a senior leader to use such language.
The poll panel reminded Gandhi that the Model Code of Conduct prohibits leaders from making unverified allegations against political rivals.
