The BJP and Congress have accused each other of violating the Model Code of Conduct. The Congress has also accused the Election Commission of “working under pressure from PM and Prime Minister’s Office”. On 13 December, the EC issued a notice to Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi, over his interviews to television networks one day before the final phase of voting in Gujarat.
On its part, the Congress has alleged that a “subservient” Election Commission allowed PM Modi to hold a ‘roadshow’ after casting his vote in Ahmedabad on 14 December.
- EC orders probe after Congress complained against PM Modi’s “roadshow”
- Congress has accused PM Modi of violating Model Code of Conduct by holding a ‘roadshow’ after voting in Ahmedabad
- EC directed that an FIR be filed against channels in the state that telecast Rahul Gandhi’s interview 48 hours before the polls
- The EC also issued notice to Gandhi, asking for an explanation by 18 December
- Congress demanded that FIRs be filed against PM Modi, other BJP leaders
EC Orders Probe After Cong Complains of PM's "Roadshow"
After the Congress took exception to PM Modi’s “roadshow”, the party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat on 14 December. A separate complaint was also submitted to the Ranip Police.
In response to the Congress's complaint, Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat BB Swain said an inquiry has been ordered to probe whether there was any violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The complaint was more “anticipatory in nature”, he said.
have received a complaint regarding MCC violation after casting of vote (by Modi). It was more anticipatory in nature. It said there was a huge crowd (outside the polling booth) and it could turn into a roadsBB Swain
“We have handed over the inquiry to the Ahmedabad district election officer (the district collector). Since our MCC team was also present at the booth, it will also give its report. They (the collector and MCC team) are now finalising their overall inquiry report,” Swain said.
PM Modi Facing Crisis of Credibility, Says Rahul Gandhi
Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he was facing a "crisis of credibility" and had stopped talking of corruption.
Speaking at a massive rally of congress workers in Thiruvananthapuram, Gandhi said people no longer believe in what he (Modi) says.
Today three years after he came to power, prime minister Modi is facing a crisis of credibility .People listen to his speeches, but no longer believe in what he says. The reason for this is his actions and the performance of his government in the last three years
Gandhi said the prime minister had committed to the youth of the country that he will get two crore jobs every year for them. He had also laid out a vision of Make-in India, Start-up India and Connect India.
The prime minister had also challenged China's dominance in manufacturing, Gandhi said.
"However, today the truth was out. We asked the government some time back how many jobs have been created under the Make-in-India, Startup india and connect India programmes," he said.
"No FIR Against Rahul": Election Commission
The Election Commission today said that no FIR had been lodged against Rahul Gandhi for giving an interview on 13 December, and that he had only been served a notice.
Last night, a Congress delegation met EC over several allegations made by them. EC deliberated and wrote to CEO to submit his report by mid-day today; the matter is under examination and under due deliberation. No FIR has been lodged against Rahul Gandhi, he has only been issued a notice under model code of conduct and given 5 days time to respond to it
Talking about PM Modi’s submarine launch, the EC said that it did not fall under the jurisdiction of the Model Code of Conduct.
BJP delegation came to office today and they kept some points related to allegations made by Congress. The Commission will consider and after due diligence take a decision.
Don't See Any Code of Conduct Being Violated: S Kashyap
Constitution expert S Kashyap said he did not see any violation of code of conduct on part of PM Modi, when he came in to cast his vote.
PM didn’t campaign for his party, he did not utter a single word but only showed his finger with an ink mark which can be interpreted as to send a message to people vote and not who to vote for.