Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, has been issued a show cause notice by the Election Commission for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Commission has deemed his remarks abusive and a prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct. If Kharge fails to respond to the notice, appropriate action will be taken against him.
Priyank Kharge made the remarks during a recent poll gathering in Karnataka where he quoted from a speech of the Prime Minister. He criticized Modi for his comments on the Banjara community and questioned how a “son of the Banjaras” could be an effective leader. The BJP has been incensed by Kharge’s remarks, particularly in light of his father’s derogatory comments about Modi.
Union minister Anurag Thakur accused Priyank Kharge of “abuse politics” and claimed that Congress leaders were frustrated by the support that Modi enjoys in Karnataka. He further alleged that Congress leaders had resorted to abusing Modi, his family, and his community.
The Election Commission’s action against Priyank Kharge is part of its efforts to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines that political parties and candidates must follow during elections to ensure a level playing field. Violations of the Code can lead to penalties, including disqualification.
The incident highlights the intense political rivalry between the Congress and the BJP in Karnataka. With assembly elections approaching in 2023, both parties are trying to gain an edge. The BJP, which currently governs the state, is seeking to retain power, while the Congress is hoping to make a comeback after being out of power for over a decade.
