‘Modi Code of Conduct’ Daily News: Congress Attacks EC After Clean Chit to PM Over Wardha Speech Row

The Congress has lashed out at the Election Commission for clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speeches in Daily News, and said that it is now crystal clear that the model set of principles has turned into the 'Modi Code of Conduct'.

“Disappointed that the PM of India is permitted to go scot-free after rampant violation of Article 324 & MCC in Daily News. There cannot be two sets of laws for Modiji & the rest of the country,” party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

The Election Commission had on Tuesday ruled that Modi’s speech in Maharashtra's Wardha, in which he had questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Wayanad in Kerala, did not violate the model code, which is in effect for the Lok Sabha election.

"The issue has been analyzed in detail in agreement to the surviving rules/arrangements of the Model Code of Conduct, the Daily News Representation of the People Act and the report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra Daily News. As needs be, the commission is of the considered view that in this issue no such infringement has been seen," an EC representative said.

At a rally in Wardha on April 1, Modi had guaranteed that the Congress had been compelled to challenge from spots commanded by the minority network.

"The Congress offended Hindus. Individuals have chosen to rebuff it in the decision. Pioneers of that party are presently frightened of challenging from supporters commanded by the lion's share (Hindu) populace. That is the reason they are compelled to take shelter in spots where the lion's share is a minority," Modi had said.

The Election Commission, has however, so far not considered other complaints of alleged poll code violations by the PM, including the roadshow held by on voting day in Ahmedabad on April 23.

Daily News In The Congress had moved the Supreme Court on Monday, asking it to direct the Election Commission to take action against the PM on eight counts of violation.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Election Commission based on a petition from Congress MP Sushmita Dev, accusing the poll panel of inaction against PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. The court scheduled the next hearing for May 2.