Delhi HC Gives Poll Body 8 Weeks To Decide On Rahul Gandhi's 'Pickpocket' Jibe At PM Modi

Delhi High Court said the word ‘pickpocket’ used by Rahul Gandhi to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “not in good taste”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Thursday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s speech where he used the word ‘pickpocket’ to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “not in good taste” and directed the Election Commission of India to decide on the matter within eight weeks, news agency ANI reported.

Delhi High Court says Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s speech given on November 22 against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'pickpocket' was 'not in good taste.

Delhi High Court directed the Election Commission of India to decide the matter within 8 weeks.

— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

The Election Commission of India had earlier issued a show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi over his 'panauti' (unlucky), 'pickpocket' and 'loan-waiver' jibe targeting PM Modi. The ECI had said the remarks were made in violation of the Model Code of Conduct during an election campaign before the Rajasthan polls.

“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 Rs 14,00,000 crore for the past nine years, is asserted by the BJP, as not borne out on facts," the Election Commission said in its notice.

It is to be noted that while speaking at an election rally, the Congress leader said PM stands for “Panauti Modi”.

Taking a potshot at the Prime Minister, he said the presence of PM Modi at the Ahmedabad stadium brought ill luck for the Indian cricket team that lost the World Cup final match.

He also drew comparison with pickpocket, saying pickpockets never come alone, they always come in group of three. “PM Modi tries to divert the people’s attention, the one who is pickpocketing is Adani and the one who threatens is Amit Shah”, Rahul Gandhi had said.