EC slaps notice on CM KCR for Hindu remarks

Hyderabad: A day before Telangana goes for Lok Sabha polls in 17 Parliamentary constituencies in the state, TRS president and star campaigner K Chandrashekar Rao was issued a notice by the Election Commission of India after finding him prima facie guilty of allegedly making derogatory remarks against Hindus in an election meeting held in Karimnagar on March 17. The Commission has given time till 5 pm on April 12 for KCR to submit his explanation failing which it will take a decision without any further reference to Rao.

In this regard, S K Rudola, Principal Secretary in the office of Election Commission of India, New Delhi, has sent a notice addressed to K Chandrashekar Rao. It was said in the letter that the EC received a complaint from M Rama Raju, state president, VHP, who said that Rao had tried to secure votes by making derogatory remarks against Hindus.

The VHP leader also mentioned Rao speech points in Telugu, which he felt were objectionable and violated the model code of conduct of elections. The EC obtained an English version of the speech and factual report from the CEO, Telangana, and officials examined the English version of the speech.

"The Commission, is prima facie, of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement which has the potential of disturbing harmony and aggravating the existing differences between social and religious communities, and appealing to communal feelings, you (referring to Rao) have violated the provisions of Model Code of Conduct," Rudola said in the letter.

As per Para-32 of MCC, all political parties, candidates and state governments/ UT administrators were informed that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or case tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.

Also making any appeals on communal lines to secure votes is also prohibited. The model code came into effect from March 10 when the schedule for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections was announced.

Addressing media on Wednesday evening, Telangana CEO Dr Rajat Kumar explained that they have not received any communication from ECI on Congress complaint on use of Pragathi Bhavan (CM camp office and official residence) for TRS party activities during the present Lok Sabha elections.