The Election Commission on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in response to a complaint filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding her comments made during a public rally in Dausa, Rajasthan on October 20. The commission has asked Priyanka Gandhi to respond to the notice by 5pm on October 30.
Gandhi said, “I recently saw something on TV. I don't know if it is true or not. PM Modi went to the Devnarayan temple and submitted an envelope in the donation box. People were wondering what it contained, but when it was opened ₹21 came out of it".
In the complaint lodged by the BJP, it was alleged that Gandhi had contravened the Model Code of Conduct by discussing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Devnarain temple and his purported offering of an envelope, which was later reported to contain only Rs 21. Priyanka's statements were made in a context where she mentioned that she had seen these events on television and could not verify their authenticity.
"Today, we met with Election Commission officials about a statement made by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on October 20 that violated the Model Code of Conduct and the RP Act. We want to know if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is exempt from the Model Code of Conduct. "We demand that ECI take action against her," said Law Minister Arjun Meghwal.
The poll panel reminded Priyanka Gandhi of a provision in the poll code that states, "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".
The Model Code of Conduct went into effect with the announcement of election dates.
The BJP's complaint asserted that Priyanka's remarks had undermined the fundamental principles of free and equitable elections by delving into the personal religious beliefs of PM Narendra Modi. The complaint specifically highlighted her reliance on the phrase, "I saw on TV; I don’t know whether it is true or not," as the basis for her allegations.
The BJP further contended that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had admitted to violating provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of People Act, 1951, through her own unequivocal admission.