NCP Leader Supriya Sule Reacts to Election Commission’s Notice Regarding Panauti Remarks

NCP Leader Supriya Sule Reacts to Election Commission’s Notice Regarding Panauti Remarks

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently facing a notice from the Election Commission (EC) over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has received support from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule. Sule described Gandhi as a “fighter” and expressed confidence that he would provide a “dignified and honest” response to the notice.

Speaking in Pune, Sule praised Gandhi’s leadership qualities, stating, “Rahul Gandhi is a strong and honest leader. I am confident that he will give a dignified and honest answer. He is a fighter. He can afford to be fearless because he is honest.”

Sule also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for targeting Gandhi’s family, saying, “We have so many examples of the BJP talking about his family. So, now if he speaks something, why is there a need to feel bad? They (BJP) had even talked about his great grandfather.”

The EC issued a show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi based on a complaint filed by the BJP, which alleged that Gandhi made derogatory remarks against PM Modi during his election rallies. The notice accused Gandhi of comparing the Prime Minister to a “Jaibkatra” (pickpocket) and using the term “Pannauti” in a derisive and obnoxious manner.

The ECI letter to Gandhi stated, “It is alleged that comparing a PM to a ‘Jaibkatra’ (pickpocket) and using the word ‘Pannauti’ is unbecoming of a very senior leader of a National Political Party. Further, the allegation of grant of waivers of Rs 14,00,000 crores for the past 9 years, is asserted by the BJP, as not borne out on facts.”

The EC has asked Gandhi to explain why action should not be taken against him for violating the Model Code of Conduct and relevant penal provisions. The Congress leader has been given until November 25, 2023, to respond to the notice.

In response to the BJP’s complaint, the NCP MP called for appropriate action to be taken against the Congress leader. The BJP argued that such remarks would spoil the electoral environment and promote the usage of offensive language and false news.

It remains to be seen how Rahul Gandhi will address the notice from the Election Commission and what consequences, if any, he may face.