EC bans Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hrs over remarks on Hema Malini
PTC News Desk: The Election Commission barred Congress leader Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours on Tuesday after he allegedly made "derogatory remarks" about Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini.
ECI has prohibited Randeep Surjewala from holding rallies, public appearances, or interviews.
Surjewala was issued a show-cause notice by the poll body after allegedly making "vulgar" remarks about Hema Malini.
"Now, therefore, the Commission without prejudice to any Order/Notice issued or to be issued subsequently to him in the matter relating to MCC violations, hereby, strongly condemns the impugned statement made by him during election campaign held in Haryana and reprimands Randeep Singh Surjewala for the above-said misconduct," the Election Commission said on Tuesday.
"The Commission, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf, bars him from holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows and interviews, public utterances in media (electronic, print, social media) etc. in connection with ongoing elections for 48 hours from 06:00 pm on 16th April, 2024 (Tuesday)," it said in a statement.
"Whereas, the Commission had issued a show cause Notice No. 437/6/COMP/ECI/LET/FUNCT/MCC/2024, dated 9th March, 2024 to Randeep Singh Surjewala for violation of the aforesaid provisions of Model Code of Conduct for making the above-quoted statement," it went on to say.
"The Commission, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf, bars him from holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows and interviews, public utterances in media (electronic, print, social media) etc. in connection with ongoing elections for 48 hours from 06:00 pm on 16th April, 2024 (Tuesday)," it said in a statement.
The Election Commission also stated that it received a complaint on April 5 alleging that Randeep Singh Surjewala made the following "sexist, vulgar, and unethical" public statements against the dignity of BJP Member of Parliament Hema Malini while campaigning in Haryana.
- With inputs from agencies
