EC Issues Show-Cause Notices To Congress's Supriya Shrinate And BJP's Dilip Ghosh

The Election Commission has issued show-cause notices to Congress leader Supriya Shrinate and Bharatiya Janata Party's Dilip Ghosh over "derogatory" remarks against actor Kangana Ranaut, the BJP's candidate for Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha, and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

According to the poll panel, the comments were found to be 'undignified and in bad taste', prima facie violating provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. Shrinate and Ghosh have until 5 pm Friday to explain why action should not be taken against them.

The controversy erupted after a crude and sexist post targeting Kangana Ranaut appeared on Supriya Shrinate's Instagram account. Shrinate claimed the post was made without her knowledge, blaming a parody account bearing her name.

Dilip Ghosh's comment about Mamata Banerjee also sparked outrage. Ghosh had said, "Didi goes to Goa and says, 'I am Goa's daughter'... goes to Tripura and says, 'Am Tripura's daughter'. Decide who your father is. It is not good to be just anybody's daughter."

The National Commission for Women (NCW) and NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma called for action against Shrinate, urging Sonia Gandhi to take "stringent action" against her and another Congress leader, HS Ahir, for similar comments.

Kangana Ranaut, making her political debut in this election, responded sharply, emphasizing the need to respect women's dignity. The Congress has responded, stating that such coarse language has no place in public discourse, and the matter should end with Shrinate's explanation.

The BJP has demanded an explanation from Dilip Ghosh, who has expressed regret if his remarks were deemed unparliamentary. The Election Commission had earlier warned against falling levels of political discourse, urging politicians to behave themselves during the election. The 2024 Lok Sabha election will take place over seven phases, beginning April 19 and ending June 1, with results declared on June 4.