Notices to Top Leaders Amid Poll Campaigns
The Election Commission (EC) has issued notices to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge following complaints by both parties against each other during the ongoing Assembly election campaigns in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. This move highlights the EC’s continued emphasis on adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as political tensions escalate in the run-up to the elections.
Election Schedule and Context
Assembly elections in Jharkhand are being conducted in two phases, on November 13 and November 20, while all 288 constituencies in Maharashtra will witness polling in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes for both states is scheduled for November 23.
EC’s Reminder to Parties on Campaign Decorum
The EC reminded both parties about its directives, originally issued during the Lok Sabha election campaigns, urging star campaigners to maintain decorum and exercise caution in their discourse. This reiteration aims to curb inflammatory or divisive rhetoric that can mar the spirit of fair campaigning.
BJP’s Complaint Against Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi
On Monday, the BJP lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, requesting the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The party alleged that Gandhi, during a speech in Mumbai, accused the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of attempts to undermine India’s Constitution. This, according to the BJP, constitutes a violation of the MCC for promoting enmity and divisiveness.
Understanding the Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines established by the Election Commission to regulate political behavior during election periods. It provides a framework for permissible conduct during speeches, rallies, manifestos, and other campaign activities to ensure free and fair elections.
Congress’ Complaint Against Union Home Minister Amit Shah
In a counter-complaint, the Congress approached the EC against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over remarks made during a campaign speech in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. Shah reportedly accused the Congress and its allies of being antagonistic toward Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), while also allegedly promoting terrorism. The Congress described these remarks as false, divisive, and intended to spread malicious narratives.
Additional Allegations of Communal Campaigning
The Congress further raised objections about a communal and divisive advertisement published on the official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle of the BJP (@BJP4India). According to the Congress, the advertisement portrayed Rahul Gandhi as undermining reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities, falsely claiming that these were being diverted to benefit a religious minority group. The Congress described the portrayal as part of a long-running BJP campaign tactic aimed at creating division.
Political Landscape and the Road Ahead
The ongoing exchange of complaints between the two leading parties underscores the contentious nature of these Assembly elections. With both parties trading allegations and escalating the matter to the Election Commission, the scrutiny on campaign rhetoric and adherence to election norms remains crucial.
