Congress leader Priyank Kharge criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Election Commission’s notice to Rahul Gandhi, arguing that Gandhi’s remarks didn’t directly mention anyone. Kharge questioned the BJP’s agitation over the use of the word ‘panauti’ during Gandhi’s address, emphasizing that interpreting it as referring to the Prime Minister was subjective.
“He (Rahul Gandhi) didn’t mention anybody’s name. He just said ‘panauti’. So if people think the PM is a ‘panauti,’ then it is up to them…Why is the BJP so hassled by the use of this word?” stated Kharge in response to the notice, as reported by PTI.
Mallikarjun Kharge, also a Congress leader, assured the party’s response to the EC’s notice, terming it as a non-issue. Addressing the situation, he highlighted that there had been no severe criticism and accused the BJP of orchestrating hype during the elections.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for his ‘jaibkatra’ (pickpocket), ‘panauti’ (bad omen), and loan-waiver comments aimed at PM Modi during a recent rally. The EC’s statement deemed such language unbecoming of a senior leader, questioning the allegations made regarding waivers worth ₹14,00,000 crore.
The EC requested Rahul Gandhi’s appearance on November 25 following the BJP’s complaint against his statements.
During the rally, Rahul Gandhi made remarks insinuating a ‘pickpocket’ analogy directed at PM Modi and Adani, suggesting a three-person tactic diverting public attention.
The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks has escalated, with the EC’s intervention and contrasting responses from political figures, underscoring the heightened atmosphere during the ongoing electoral proceedings.
Sources By Agencies