New Delhi, May 3 (Agency) The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to Congress leader Priyank Kharge for his alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The poll panel has asked Kharge, who is Congress nominee from the Chittapur Assembly seat in the forthcoming Karnataka polls, to respond to the notice by 1700 hours on May 4. The latest development comes a day after the BJP filed a complaint with the poll panel against Kharge for using “derogatory remarks” against the PM while addressing a public meeting in Karnataka’s Kalburgi on April 30. “The Commission is prima facie of the opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provision of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by making the said statement.
Now, therefore, you are hereby called upon to show cause by 1700 hrs on May 4 as to why appropriate action for violation of MCC should not be taken against you,” read the notice issued by the poll panel. It added, “In the event of no response from your side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the EC will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference to you.” Elections to the 224 member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 10. The results will be declared on May 13. The Opposition Congress is eyeing to return to power. The BJP is hopeful that it will retain power.