Rahul Gandhi Gets Election Commission Notice for ‘Panauti,’ ‘Pickpocket’ Remarks Against PM Modi
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including calling him “panauti” (bad omen) and a “pickpocket,” and leveling unsubstantiated allegations of loan waivers for the wealthy. Mr. Gandhi has been asked to respond by Saturday.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in India, had filed a complaint with the ECI against Mr. Gandhi, stating that his language was unbecoming of a senior political leader and violated the Model Code of Conduct, which is in effect during election periods. The Model Code of Conduct prohibits political leaders from making personal attacks or unverified allegations against their opponents.
The ECI has specifically pointed out that Mr. Gandhi’s use of the term “panauti” falls under the purview of Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, which deals with corrupt practices. Section 123 prohibits any person from inducing or attempting to induce a candidate or an elector to believe that he or she will be subject to divine displeasure or spiritual censure.
Mr. Gandhi had used the term “panauti” against Mr. Modi in a poll speech in Rajasthan, linking the Prime Minister’s presence at the Cricket World Cup final to India’s loss to Australia. The term “panauti” is a Hindi slang word that loosely translates to “bad luck.”
The former Congress president also used the “pickpocket” analogy against Mr. Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister diverts people’s attention while industrialist Gautam Adani picks their pockets.
The ECI, in its notice, has also reminded Mr. Gandhi of a general advisory it had issued earlier, expressing concern over the “plummeting level of political discourse” during election campaigns. The commission has also drawn Mr. Gandhi’s attention to a Supreme Court observation that while freedom of speech and expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the right to reputation is also considered an integral part of the right to life protected under Article 21.
Mr. Gandhi has been requested to provide an explanation for his remarks and show cause as to why action should not be taken against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct and relevant penal provisions. He has been asked to respond by 6 pm on November 25. If no response is received by then, the ECI will take appropriate action.
