 |
|
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has censured Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for 24 hours for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Gangopadhyay, who is contesting from the Tamluk seat in West Bengal, made a 'low-level personal attack' on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a public meeting in Haldia on May 15.
In its order, the ECI said that Gangopadhyay's statement was a 'direct affront' to the 'erosion of status of women in India' and was 'outrightly condemnable' when used against any woman, especially a senior political leader and holder of a constitutional position.
The ECI had issued a show-cause notice to Gangopadhyay on May 20, seeking his response to the complaint filed by the Trinamool Congress. In its notice, the EC had said that Gangopadhyay's comment was 'beyond dignity in every sense of the term' and 'in bad taste', and prima facie violative of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and its advisory to political parties.
The BJP has fielded Gangopadhyay from the Tamluk seat in West Bengal, where voting will be held on May 25.
The ECI's action against Gangopadhyay is a reminder to all political parties and candidates that they must adhere to the Model Code of Conduct during the election period.
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to ensure free and fair elections. It prohibits candidates and political parties from making personal attacks on their opponents, using abusive or offensive language, and making statements that could incite communal or religious tension.
The ECI has the authority to take action against any candidate or political party that violates the Model Code of Conduct. Such action can include censure, suspension of campaign activities, and even disqualification from the election.
The ECI's action against Gangopadhyay is a welcome step and sends a strong message that personal attacks and hate speech will not be tolerated during the election period.