LUCKNOW: Raising protest against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and his party for allegedly violating the Model of Conduct (MCC) by "co-relating the Congress election symbol with religious figures", Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday lodged a complaint with Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer demanding cancellation of poll symbol.
The BJP sought the withdrawal of the Congress' election symbol 'hand' as well as cancellation of its recognition as a national party.
"Shri Rahul Gandhi, at a convention, named as 'Jan Vedna Sammelan' in Delhi on January 11, 2017, made religious comments by co-relating the symbol of Indian National Congress with religious gods such as Shivji, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Mahavir and Islam, violating the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, MCC and the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court," the BJP wrote in its complaint. It also attached a CD of Rahul Gandhi's speech along with the letter.
"The Congress party has not disassociated itself from the statements of Shri Rahul Gandhi. Therefore, it has also further violated the Model Code of Conduct," the complaint said.
"Therefore, it is liable to be proceeded against under Para 16A and 18 of the Election Symbols Order, 1968, and the allotment of hand symbol of Congress party may kindly be withdrawn with immediate effect, along with cancellation of its recognition as a national party," the BJP letter read.
ALSO READ:
Modi and BJP frighten people, 'Hand' of Congress indicates ‘don’t fear’: Rahul in Talkatora
