Rahul did not violate model code: poll panel

By IANS,

New Delhi : Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi did not violate the model code of conduct while filing his nomination for the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, the Election Commission said Tuesday after an inquiry.


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“We have seen the (video) footage and found that there were only five people with Rahul Gandhi when he filed his nomination,” Deputy Election Commissioner R. Balakrishnan told reporters here.

Gandhi had filed his nomination papers for Amethi, a constituency he represents, from Sultanpur Saturday.

Following a complaint that he had violated the model code of conduct as he had more than five people accompanying him at the time, the Election Commission had sought an inquiry report from the district election officer of Sultanpur.

The poll panel also ordered the transfer of Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Home) Fateh Bahadur Singh on charges of dereliction of duty.

“We had received complaints against him and have asked the Uttar Pradesh government to replace him. We have asked the state government to send a panel of three names for his replacement,” Balakrishnan added.

The commission further asked the Gujarat government to shift the district collector of Amreli following a complaint from a political party.

Asked about a controversial speech made by Railways Minister Lalu Prasad, Balakrishnan said: “A case has been registered on the directions of the sub-divisional magistrate of Kishangarh. We have also sought a report and CD of his speech from the chief election officer of Bihar.”

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