New Delhi

The Election Commission (EC) has sought responses from BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding complaints filed by their parties over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

The BJP had complained about remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while the Congress raised concerns over statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The EC has asked both Nadda and Kharge to respond to the complaints by 1 pm on November 18, 2024. The Commission reminded the party leaders of its earlier advisory from May 22, 2024, urging them to ensure that their star campaigners adhere to public decorum and follow the MCC rules during election campaigns.

In its complaint, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of making misleading claims about the BJP’s intent to destroy the Constitution during his speeches in Maharashtra. On the other hand, the Congress alleged that PM Modi and Amit Shah made divisive and false statements, criticizing leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, and accusing the Congress of opposing marginalized communities.

The elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra are ongoing, with the final phase of voting set for November 20, 2024.