EC notice to Rahul over interview

New Delhi, December 13

Taking note of a complaint filed by the ruling BJP, the Election Commission today served a show-cause notice to Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi for prima facie violating election laws after a few news channels aired his interview a day before the polling for second phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections.

Acting swiftly, the Congress petitioned the poll panel, demanding action against PM Modi for his FICCI speech.

The EC also directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat to lodge FIRs against TV channels that aired the interview as it “violated the law”.

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The EC has asked Gandhi to explain his position by December 18, failing which it would decide the matter without any further reference to him.

In its order, a copy of which is with The Tribune, the EC said: “The Commission after due deliberations of the complaint it received has, therefore, directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat to initiate necessary action by filing FIR against those who have violated the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in Phase 2 districts in Gujarat going to the poll tomorrow (December 14).”

The poll panel said: “Such display (in which Gandhi talks about election to Legislative Assembly of Gujarat) falls within the definition of “election matter" and its display within 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the poll-going areas amounts to violation of Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act.”— TNS