Rahul Gandhi denies violating model code of conduct

New Delhi: Days after Election Commission of India’s notice to Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that if BJP comes to power, 22,000 people will be killed in violence, the Congress vice-president is learnt to have denied violation of the model code of conduct. Sources stated that in his reply to the poll panel, Mr Gandhi is understood to said that he was only referring to the perception of the people about BJP and did not violate the code.

The BJP had moved the Election Commission against the Congress vice-president for his remarks. The poll panel had reminded Mr Gandhi of the provision in the model code, which states that no party or candidate would indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred. The showcause notice also referred to the provision which refrains parties and candidates from making distorted or unverified allegations and limit their criticism to policies and programmes of rival parties.

The poll panel had asked Mr Gandhi to respond to the notice by Tuesday. But on his request, the Commission extended the deadline till the morning of May 15. In an notice issued on May 9 the commission had pointed towards his address at an election rally in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.