ECI issues show-cause notices to BJP’s Dilip Ghosh, Congress’ Supriya Shrinate for remarks against women

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday (March 27), issued show cause notices to BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for their remarks directed at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, respectively.

The Election Commission deemed Ghosh's comments against CM Mamata Banerjee and Shrinate's remarks against Kangana Ranaut as 'undignified and in bad taste'. They have been instructed to respond to the commission by Friday, (March 29)5 pm.

In both notices, the EC stated that the comments made by the leaders are prima facie violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

According to clause (2) of Part I 'General Conduct' of the Model Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, criticism of other political parties should be limited to their policies, programs, record, and work.

Parties and candidates are urged to refrain from criticising aspects of private life not connected with the public activities of other party leaders or workers. Criticism based on unverified allegations or distortion of facts should also be avoided.

Supriya Shrinate vs Kangana Ranaut:

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stirred controversy when an objectionable post appeared on her Instagram handle, demeaning Kangana Ranaut, BJP's candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency.

The post, now deleted, queried the current market rate alongside a picture of Ranaut.

Shrinate later clarified that 'many people' have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts, disassociating herself from the 'extremely inappropriate' post.

The BJP criticised the Congress for such comments, accusing Shrinate of intending to tarnish Ranaut's character. They asserted that the Congress's derogatory remarks reflect a lack of respect for the law.

Ranaut responded by emphasising every woman's right to dignity, highlighting her diverse roles as an actress.

The BJP filed a complaint with the state's chief electoral officer, seeking legal action against Shrinate for misusing social media to denigrate their Lok Sabha candidate. They deemed Shrinate's remarks derogatory and sexually oriented, violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Dilip Ghosh vs Mamata Banerjee:

Meanwhile, BJP MP from Medinipur, Dilip Ghosh, triggered controversy with objectionable comments against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Ghosh, BJP's vice-president fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat, mocked TMC's slogan of "Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter)".

His remarks drew criticism, with TMC filing a complaint against him for violating the MCC.

The BJP demanded an explanation from Ghosh, asserting that his comment was unparliamentary and against the party's culture. The party leadership clarified that such remarks against women, especially a chief minister, were not endorsed by the party.

Ghosh later apologised for his remarks, maintaining that his choice of words was criticised by his party and others. He clarified that he holds no personal enmity against the chief minister and that controversies often arise over his straightforward comments.

(With inputs from agencies)