PM Narendra Modi Gets Clean Chit From Election Commission; No Violation of Model Code of Conduct in Wardha Speech, Says EC

New Delhi, April 30: The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with allegations of violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Election Commission said it has found no violation of Model Code of Conduct in PM Narendra Modi's speech in Maharashtra's Wardha on April 1 when he accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of playing appeasement politics over his candidature from Wayanad.

"In matter related to a complaint concerning alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct in a speech by PM Narendra Modi in Wardha, Maharashtra on 01.04.2019, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the poll panel said. Addressing a public meeting in Wardha, PM Modi said that Rahul Gandhi was forced to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat because the majority is in minority there. Rahul Gandhi's Candidature in Wayanad a Message for Appeasement Politics: Modi.

"The Congress insulted Hindus. People have decided to punish it in the election. Leaders of that party are now scared of contesting from constituencies dominated by the majority (Hindu) population. That is why they are forced to take refuge in places where the majority is a minority," the prime minister said taking a dig at Gandhi for contesting the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad apart from his traditional Amethi seat.

The Congress had complained about Modi’s comments and accused him of violating the model code of conduct, which has been in place since the schedule of the Lok Sabha elections was announced on March 10. It also demanded an apology from PM Modi for his "condemnable and divisive" statement that hurt the sentiments of people in Wayanad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2019 09:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).