New Delhi, April 19: Continuing to crack the whip on loudmouth politicians, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday imposed a campaigning ban on another top politician, the Himachal Pradesh BJP's state unit chief Satpal Singh Satti, for using an "obscene slur" against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

As per the EC order, Sati has been barred from addressing political rallies, press conferences or giving interview to reporters for 48 hours beginning from Saturday 6am. The action has been taken by the polling body after finding him violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Satpal Singh Satti Uses Cuss Words For Rahul Gandhi, Says People on Social Media Call Him M*******D; Watch Video

The Congress had on Monday filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Satti for allegedly using the "m*********od" slur against Rahul Gandhi.

The party has also lodged a police complaint against the BJP leader, urging Shimla Police to register a case against him.

Earlier the Congress's state unit spokesperson Naresh Chauhan had sought Satti's apology, but he refused saying he merely read out the contents of a message which was already viral on social media.

"I have narrated an incident while addressing a public meeting in Nalagarh tehsil of Solan district whereby a derogatory remark was made against Rahul in retaliation of using 'chor' word for PM in a viral social media message," Satti told PTI.

"The person who used the derogatory word and made such a message viral can not be our worker. Even then I asked my workers to restrain from using such remark or sharing such messages," he said.

He said the Congress leaders listened to only a part of his speech. "They should hear my speech in totality and then they will come to the conclusion that I have not used any derogatory remark against Rahul Gandhi," Satti said.

"Our workers have their own sentiments for the PM. So, Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders should also apologise for using 'chor' word for PM in public meetings and should stop using that word for Modi".

Talking to PTI, state Congress general secretary Rajneesh Kimta said he has filed a complaint against Satti with the Election Commission for the remarks.

Kimta said he also filed an online complaint with Sadar police station and sent a copy of it to Shimla superintendent of police.

When contacted, Shimla SP Omapati Jamwal said, "An online complaint has been received at Sadar police station. We are studying the contents of the complaint."

Kimta said the Congress would hold protest rallies across the state on Tuesday at 11 am. "If Satti does not apologise publicly for making the derogatory remarks, the Congress will not hesitate to gherao him," he added.

In Delhi, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said one cannot expect anything better from the BJP as it is their culture to abuse, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the 2014 elections.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2019 08:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).