Election Commission says, No violation of MCC by Modi over remarks made on former PM

NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, the Election Commission had concluded that, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made 'Bhrashtachari number 1' remark against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi during a recent rally, he did not violate the Model Code of Conduct.

The poll body in a statement had said that, "Prima facie, we did not figure out any literal violation of MCC as given in the Election Commission of India instructions,"

While addressing an election rally in Pratapgarh Narendra Modi had said, the life of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi ended as 'Bhrashtachari number 1.'

"Your father was termed 'Mr Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'Bhrashtachari number 1'," Modi had said.

Apparently Modi was referring to the Bofors scam, in which Rajiv Gandhi was accused of receiving kickbacks from the Swedish defence manufacturer, Bofors, for the sale of artillery guns to India. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991.

Modi had received severe criticism from Congress party due to the remark. The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, which had registered a complaint in the EC. "The statement made by PM Modi not only violated the Model Code of Conduct but also was an insult of Bharat Ratna awardee martyr. Hence, we appeal to the EC for taking action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by barring him from speaking at public rallies," the committee had said in the letter to the EC on May 5.

In response to the remarks made by Modi, Rahul Gandhi in a tweet had said, "Modi ji, the battle is over. Your Karma awaits you. Projecting your inner beliefs about yourself onto my father won't protect you."

"All my love and a huge hug," Rahul Gandhi told PM Modi.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that PM Modi had "insulted the martyrdom of a righteous and holy man in his unbridled craze".

"The reply will be given by the people of Amethi for whom Rajiv Gandhi gave his life. Yes Modi ji, this nation never forgives treachery," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted.