Lok Sabha polls 2024: The Election Commission, on Wednesday, advised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to exercise greater care and caution in his public statements in the future. This decision comes after the commission disposed of a notice sent to him in November of the previous year. The notice was regarding his ‘jaibkatra‘ (pickpocket) and ‘panauti‘ (ill-omen) remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during campaigning in Rajasthan. The Election Commission ruled that Rahul Gandhi’s comments violated the model code of conduct and Section 123(2)(a)(ii) of the Representation of the People Act. This decision was in compliance with a Delhi High Court directive from December 21, 2023, instructing the poll panel to take appropriate action within eight weeks.

The Election Commission, on Wednesday, confirmed that the directive from the Delhi High Court regarding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks stands disposed of. The Election Commission also reminded Rahul of its advisory dated March 1, 2024, cautioning all political parties, candidates, and star campaigners about strict action against any repeat violations of the model code. The advisory was in response to observed violations during recent assembly polls. Rahul Gandhi, a star campaigner for the Congress party, was advised to follow the advisory earnestly during campaigning, starting with the upcoming general elections.

During a public rally in Barmer, Rajasthan, on November 22, 2023, Rahul Gandhi referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘panauti’ and ‘pickpocket.’ He claimed that Modi, like a ‘jaibkatra’ (pickpocket) diverting attention while picking pockets, was raising ‘Hindu-Muslim’ issues to distract the public from writing off loans for his “favoured” businessmen. The Election Commission issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi based on a BJP complaint, citing a violation of the model code and Section 123(2)(a)(ii) of the Representation of the People Act. In response, Rahul Gandhi denied any violation, asserting that his statements were taken out of context. However, the Election Commission, while rejecting this defense, stopped short of taking further action, instead issuing a warning for him to be more careful and cautious in his future public statements.