New Delhi: Narendra Modi, who is running for Prime Minister, was censured by the Election Commission today for his controversial "khooni panja" remark against the Congress, and warned to be "more careful" in his speeches. (Read full order)
Mr Modi had contended that he had not used the term, which means bloodied claw, to pillory the Congress party's symbol, the hand. He had said that he used the phrase colloquially, and that he is entitled to use his right to free speech to criticise the policies of a rival party.
The Commission rejected those arguments, said that freedom of speech is not absolute, and that even colloquial utterances must conform with "dignity, decorum and public morality."
Mr Modi used the contentious expression at a recent election rally in Chhattisgarh, where his party, the BJP is seeking a third term.
He was asked for an explanation after the Congress alleged that he had violated the model code of conduct which kicks in when elections are announced, and provides the dos and don'ts for politicians in the run-up to voting.
Earlier this month, the Election Commission also castigated Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Vice-President, for accusing the BJP of inciting communal riots across the country. Mr Gandhi was chided for the "tone and tenor" of those comments.
Mr Modi had contended that he had not used the term, which means bloodied claw, to pillory the Congress party's symbol, the hand. He had said that he used the phrase colloquially, and that he is entitled to use his right to free speech to criticise the policies of a rival party.
Mr Modi used the contentious expression at a recent election rally in Chhattisgarh, where his party, the BJP is seeking a third term.
Advertisement
Earlier this month, the Election Commission also castigated Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Vice-President, for accusing the BJP of inciting communal riots across the country. Mr Gandhi was chided for the "tone and tenor" of those comments.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"No One Can Claim...": Haryana's Nayab Saini On Suspense Over His Seat Explained: Why Election Commission Changed Haryana Voting Date Congress Launches 'Kharche Pe Charcha' Campaign Ahead Of Haryana Polls Celebrated "Russian Spy" Whale Hvaldimir Found Dead In Norway: Report INDIA's "Hit With Footwear" Protest In Mumbai Over Shivaji Statue Collapse Nurse Molested By Patient During Late Night Shift At West Bengal Hospital Royal Enfield Launches New Revit All-Weather Gear In India Houthi Rebels Say They Attacked Merchant Ship Off Yemen "There Is No 'Power Centre'": Actor Mammootty Amid Mollywood #MeToo Row Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.