The Election Commission of India (ECI) took cognizance today of the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The poll panel has requested responses from both the BJP and Congress by April 29. Both parties accused each other's campaign speeches of inciting hatred against Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi, respectively.
The ECI invoked Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act and held party presidents accountable as the first step to manage star campaigners. The ECI shared information regarding the alleged Model Code violation by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi with BJP President JP Nadda and Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge. They have been asked to respond by 11 am on April 29. While issuing the notice, the ECI stated that campaign speeches by individuals in high positions have more serious consequences. The poll watchdog added that political parties must take primary and increasing responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, especially star campaigners.
Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission on April 21 regarding Prime Minister Modi's comments during a rally in Banswara, Rajasthan. At the rally, PM Modi stated that if Congress came to power, it might distribute the country's wealth among "intruders" and "those who have more children." The Prime Minister repeated the accusations in later rallies in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi has been promising at his election rallies that, should Congress come to power, they will survey and redistribute the country's wealth.
This was the point that PM Modi criticized. Rahul Gandhi's political mentor, Sam Pitroda, recently suggested implementing an inheritance tax in India. He cited the example of the United States, where 55% of a person's estate is taken by the government upon their death, with only 45% going to their children. In India, critics argue that such a policy would lead to an increase in black market activity, as people would begin hiding their assets and accumulating black money. They question why someone would want to hand over their lifelong earnings to the government instead of their children. Social media users have expressed that the government should support people's progress and create opportunities for the poor, rather than focus on redistributing wealth. They also criticize the Congress party for its opposition to counting illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in India while emphasizing the redistribution of wealth.
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