Model Code of Conduct violated in Guj campaign: EC

New Delhi, Dec 22 (UNI) The Election Commission (EC) today came to an unanimous conclusion that the Model Code of Conduct had been violated during the campaigning in Gujarat by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh.

The Commission conveyed its displeasure and advised Mr Modi, Ms Gandhi and Mr Singh to be more cautious in future so that the salutary provisions of the Model Code of Conduct were adhered to and duly observed in letter and spirit.

At its meeting held here, the EC took the decision after duly considering all the reports, replies and counter replies from all the concerned quarters in this respect.

The Commission had received a complaint from Teesta Setalvad, Secretary, Citizens for Justice and Peace that Mr Modi had justified the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in one of his election campaigns which amounted to the violation of the provisions of the Model Code.

The EC also expressed its deep anguish over the fact that sagacious advice and high expectations of the Supreme Court seem to have been belied in the instant case.

Earlier, the Commission, had also received a complaint from the BJP against Ms Gandhi and Mr Singh for describing the Gujarat Chief Minister as ''Maut Ka Saudagar''.

After receiving these complaints, the Commission had served notices to all these three political leaders and asked them to explain their respective positions.

The Commission, on two earlier occasion, had not been able to reach a unanimous conclusion on the matter. However, at its third full-Commission meeting, it was finally able to deliver the decision in the case.

UNI