Karnataka: EC's notice to BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel over model code violation

The Election Commission on Monday issued a notice to the BJP's Karnataka President Nalin Kumar Kateel for publishing an advertisement in a daily with "unsubstantiated" claims.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala had filed a complaint claiming that the BJP had published an advertisement in a leading English newspaper.

"While the Commission notes that the criticism of the policy and governance of the opposition parties is a right guaranteed enshrined in the constitution as well as an essential function of various political actors under our electoral process. However, while exercising this right and performing this essential function, the various political parties are expected to uphold high standards of public discourse and adhere to the various provisions of MCC and relevant laws," the poll panel said in its statement.

The notice further stated, "While general claims and accusations are part of election campaigns, specific allegations and claims about the opponents need to be supported by verifiable and traceable facts. Any claim made without basis and empirical evidence has the potential of misleading the voters thereby robbing them of their right of making right and informed choices amongst the candidate thus disturbing the level playing field."

According to the EC's May 2 advisory, all national parties enjoy special enablement under the R. P. Act, 1951 and are expected to be the "most compliant with the MCC and legal framework". The advisory on May 7 stated clearly that unverified allegations or claims should not be made in advertisements.

The Commission has asked the BJP to provide verifiable and traceable facts for the claims cited in the advertisement along with an explnation by 8 pm on Tuesday failing which the it has asked why it should not take action against the saffron party for violating the Model Code of Conduct under R. P. Act and IPC.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has also issued a letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge asking to provide clarification on Sonia Gandhi's remarks on Karnataka sovereignty following a complaint by the BJP.

"The Election Commission of India today issued a letter to INC President to provide clarification and take rectification measures in respect of the social media post which has been put up on the Official INC Twitter handle and attributed to Chairperson CPP," the poll body said in a statement.