Election Commission Issues Show-Cause Notices Over Social Media Remarks

AAP Faces Inquiry for Alleged Remarks Against PM Modi. The Election Commission has served a show-cause notice to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its chief, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following a complaint by the BJP. The complaint accuses the AAP of posting “very unacceptable” and “unethical” video clips and remarks on a social media platform targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached the Election Commission on November 10, demanding action against the AAP for alleged disparaging remarks against PM Modi. The complaint, made by a BJP delegation, including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, cited objectionable content from the AAP’s official handle.

The Election Commission’s notice to the AAP calls for an explanation regarding the alleged social media posts’ statements and allegations against a star campaigner of another national party. The notice also addresses insinuations and innuendos against candidates in the state elections, warning of potential action for violation of the model code of conduct and relevant election laws.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Also Under Scrutiny

In a separate incident, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly making unverified and false statements regarding PM Modi. The notice stems from a complaint by the BJP, accusing Gandhi of spreading “false” and “unverified” information at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh.

The BJP accused Priyanka Gandhi of making baseless and false claims, particularly alleging that the Modi government had privatized public sector undertakings. The Election Commission has asked her to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday.

Both cases involve allegations of objectionable social media content. The Election Commission’s actions underscore the need for parties to adhere to ethical standards in their online communication, especially during ongoing state assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram.

The Election Commission has given the AAP and Priyanka Gandhi a deadline to respond to the show-cause notices. Failure to do so within the stipulated time may result in appropriate actions being taken without further consultation.

As assembly elections unfold in five states, social media has become a focal point for political communication. The Election Commission’s intervention highlights the importance of maintaining decorum and adhering to election norms in the digital realm.

Mizoram Already Voted, Focus Shifts to Other States

Mizoram has already conducted its single-phase election on November 7. With the remaining states gearing up for polls, these incidents add a layer of scrutiny to the ongoing electoral process. The Election Commission’s role in addressing complaints against political parties underscores its commitment to ensuring fair play and ethical conduct during elections. The show-cause notices signal a proactive approach to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.

PM Modi also Accuses Congress of Treating Tribals as Vote-Bank

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his final campaign rally for the BJP ahead of the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls on November 17, accused the Congress of viewing tribals solely as a vote-bank. Modi contrasted this with the BJP’s “double-engine” government, asserting continuous efforts for tribal welfare and transformation.

Addressing a public meeting in Jhabua district, a tribal-dominated area, Modi alleged the Congress used malnourished kids to embellish photographs of its leaders, condemning the party’s approach towards tribal communities. He emphasized that the Congress, with such a mindset, could never contribute positively to tribal welfare and development.

Modi criticized the Congress for its past governance, highlighting a lack of significant efforts in tribal areas and stating that, during their rule, only news of starvation and hunger emerged from these regions. According to Modi, the Congress leadership would visit tribal huts for photo opportunities, showcasing poverty but subsequently neglecting the community’s development. In contrast, Modi asserted that his extensive campaign tour across Madhya Pradesh revealed the Congress’s lack of competitiveness against the ruling BJP. The PM’s remarks underline the contrasting approaches of the two parties towards tribal welfare in the state.