Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. (File photo/News18)
The ECI quoted the video speech where she can be heard telling a public meeting in Dausa on October 20 that she saw it on TV that when an “envelop of donation” made by PM Modi at a temple was opened, it carried only Rs 21
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her “envelop” remarks related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s temple visit. The party general secretary has been asked to respond to the notice by October 30 evening.
In its notice, the poll body said that the “relation between an individual and a deity cannot be a matter of public scrutiny and her statement diminishes the devotee in the general estimation of the public”.
The Commission issued the notice as it received a complaint on October 21 from the Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly and from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on October 25. The complaint stated that during a public meeting in Dausa on October 20, Vadra made “false statements” in respect of PM Modi.
“It has been alleged that you have invoked the personal religious devotion of the Prime Minister. Further, it is averred that the relation between an individual and deity cannot be a matter of public scrutiny and your statement diminishes the devotee in the general estimation of the public,” the ECI said.
The poll body reminded that the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for political parties and candidates have come into force since October 9 when they announced election dates for five states.
They cited clause 2 of Part I General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of Political Parties and Candidates’ provides that, “Criticism of other political parties, 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. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.”
The ECI also cited clause 3 of Part I General Conduct of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of Political Parties and Candidates’ provides that says there should be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. “Mosques, Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda.”
WHAT VADRA HAS SAID?
The ECI quoted the video speech where she can be heard telling a public meeting in Dausa on October 20 that she saw it on TV that when an “envelop of donation” made by PM Modi at a temple was opened, it carried only Rs 21.
“You must have seen it. I saw it on TV, not sure if it is true or not. Some time ago, (Prime Minister) visited Devnarayan ji’s temple. Gave an envelope there. Now I saw on TV that after six months the envelope given by the Prime Minister was opened. People were thinking about what will be in that envelope given by the Prime Minister… Only Rs 21 was found,” ECI quoted her in Hindi.
She added that in a way, a similar thing is happening in the county.
“Big promises are made from stages. Various envelopes are being shown. But post elections, when these envelopes are opened, and it is time to show work there is nothing,” she said.
WHAT’s NEXT?
The Congress leader has to reply by Monday as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against her.
“In the event of no response from your side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference…” the ECI added.
Rajasthan is all set to go for polls on November 25. Counting of votes will be done on December 3.
