Congress takes PM Modi's Rajiv Gandhi remarks to Supreme Court, Sushmita Dev files affidavit questioning EC's clean chits

Congress National Spokesperson and Lok Sabha candidate for Silachar constituency, Sushmita Dev, on Tuesday, has filed an additional affidavit in the Supreme Court questioning the clean chit given by the Election Commission to PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for all 'controversial' comments made at their many 2019 Lok Sabha election rallies, including mentions of the remarks made by the Prime Minister citing his predecessor Rajiv Gandhi which have triggered a huge controversy. 

The affidavit states the various alleged violations of the model code of conduct by the Prime Minister and the BJP Chief and the action taken by the EC - essentially none.

• PM’s  violation of ECI’s March 9th, Circular on Defence Personnel - No action
• PM’s Speech in Wardha invoking religion and the Armed Forces, Maharashtra - Dismissed without reason
• PM’s speech in Latur, Maharashtra invoking Armed forces - Dismissed without reason
• Speeches by PM invoking Defence Personnel and armed forces in Gujarat and Rajasthan - Dismissed without reason
• Pre-emptive notice regarding PM’s road show in Gandhinagar, Gujarat - No action
• Illegal and malafide road show by PM in Gandhinagar, Gujarat - No action
• PM’s Speech on Balakot seeking to coopt armed forces for political propaganda - No action
• PM’s speech in Varanasi invoking Defence Personnel- No action
• PM’s corrupt practices under Section 123 (7) RPA, 1951 (Using Government Officials/Machinery) - Forwarded to Niti Aayog
• Amit Shah’s speech invoking Defence personnel and armed forces in Krishnanagar, West Bengal - No action

PM Modi receives third clean chit from EC, 'Diwali Nukes' remark not an MCC violation says poll body

The affidavit has given a comparison of the provocative statements said by other political leaders like Yogi Adityanath, Mayawati, Pragya Thakur, Maneka Gandhi, and others during rallies and the action taken by the EC varying from sending notice to imposing a timed ban on campaigning.

The affidavit has also mentioned the Prime Minister's 'bhrashtachari' comment on late former PM Rajiv Gandhi, calling it obscene/derogatory and unbecoming of the high office he holds.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Modi while addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh commented on Rajiv Gandhi while speaking about the corruption under the Congress governments.

"Your father was termed 'Mr. Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt number 1). By hurling abuses, you cannot turn the 50 long years of Modi's Tapasya (struggle) into dust. By tarnishing my image and by making me look small, these people want to form an unstable and a weak government in the country " PM Modi said.

The affidavit has requested that these above-mentioned comments and documents be taken on record and appropriate orders be passed in the interest of justice.

Earlier on Tuesday, the EC had given a clean chit to PM Modi on his 'Pulwama remark' in a roadshow in Ahmedabad, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike. This makes a total of 8 clean chits given to PM Modi.