EC also directs Gujarat CEO to file FIR against Channels who violated provisions of Representation of People Act
AMN / New Delhi
The Election Commission on Wednesday gave a notice to Congress president elect Rahul Gandhi for violation of model code of conduct in giving an interview to TV channels in Gujarat where polling for the second phase of Assembly election is to be held tomorrow.
The EC has given Mr Gandhi time till 1700 hrs on December 18 for explaining his conduct.
Earlier, the Election Commission ordered registering of FIR against the channels which telecast the interview.
Election Commission has also directed Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer to initiate necessary action by filing an FIR against those Channels who violated provisions of Representation of People Act in two districts of the State.
The channels which are displaying election matter within 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll in poll bound areas have been asked to stop the display of such matter. The commission in a press note said that it has received reports and complaints that some of TV channels in Gujarat have displayed interview given by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In the interview, Mr Gandhi has been talking about election to Legislative Assembly of the State for which second phase of poll is scheduled to be held tomorrow. It said, such display falls within the definition of election matter and its display amounts to violation of the Representation of People Act.
Meanwhile, the CEO Gujarat said that his office is looking into the complaints regarding the alleged violation of the Representation of the People Act by Congress President elect Rahul Gandhi. Mr Gandhi’s interview with Gujarati TV channels was telecast after campaigning for the final phase of assembly elections ended last evening. Talking to media, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer B B Swain said the poll body has collected the DVDs of the interviews and is looking into the matter.
Election Commission has issued notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his interview to a Gujarati TV Channel. The Commission has asked him to reply by 5 PM till 18th of this month why action should not be taken against him for violation of model code of conduct. The Commission found by giving interview after the end of the poll campaign , he had prima facie violated the poll norms
Meanwhile a Congress delegation led by party in-charge of Gujarat Ashok Gehlot is meeting Election Commission in New Delhi in a short while from now.