The Election Commission of India (ECI) has addressed complaints of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations filed by the BJP and Congress against each other during the ongoing assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Letters were sent to BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting their responses to the respective allegations. Both party chiefs must submit their replies by 1 PM on Monday.
Allegations Against Congress
The BJP’s complaint, submitted on November 11, accuses senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of spreading misinformation about the Constitution during his campaign in Maharashtra. The BJP alleges that Gandhi attempted to “create differences between states” with his statements.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, “On November 6, during his Maharashtra campaign, Rahul Gandhi tried to pit states against each other with false claims. A BJP delegation brought this matter to the Chief Election Commissioner’s attention.”
Allegations Against BJP
The Congress filed two complaints on November 13, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Congress accused them of delivering “false, divisive, and malicious speeches” during election campaigns in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We have filed complaints with the Election Commission against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister for their brazen violations of electoral laws through divisive and false statements.” He attached copies of the letters submitted to the poll body.
Election Schedule
The assembly elections in Jharkhand are taking place in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. Maharashtra will vote in a single phase, also on November 20. Counting of votes for both states is set for November 23.
This development adds tension to the heated political environment as both major parties accuse each other of flouting electoral norms. The Election Commission’s intervention seeks to ensure adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during the elections.
