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In a swipe at the Election Commission (EC) after it issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his 'Panauti' and 'pickpocket' jibes at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party MP Manish Tewari on Friday said the poll panel is at the forefront when it comes to persecuting Opposition leaders.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, the Congress Lok Sabha MP said, "For years now, the Election Commission has been conducting itself in an extremely partisan and biased manner. I say this with utmost regret. When senior BJP leaders or members of the ruling alliance (National Democratic Alliance) use extremely intemperate language against Opposition leaders, the EC is conspicuous by its absence. The Prime Minister, during the election campaign, announced the extension of the 'PM Garib Anakalyan Yojana', which de facto constitutes a violation of the model code of conduct." Claiming that PM Modi's announcement to extend the free ration scheme by five more years was an attempt to induce voters, the Congress leader said, "The announcement extending the 'PM Garib Anakalyan Yojana' was an attempt to influence voters. But where was the Election Commission on this? Why did it not send a notice to the PM? Why didn't it seek an explanation from PM Modi? The Opposition leaders are facing systematic persecution and are being hounded by central institutions. And sadly, the Election Commission is at the forefront of this persecution." Earlier, addressing a rally in Barmer, Rahul blamed Prime Minister Modi for India's defeat in the final of the cricket World Cup, calling him 'Panauti' (one who brings bad luck). "Our boys were playing well and would have won the World Cup if it wasn't for the Panauti. The Panauti made us lose. Television broadcasters won't tell you this but people know," Rahul said while campaigning at Barmer on Monday. In the 2018 polls in Rajasthan, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP finished at 73. Gehlot took oath as chief minister with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents. (ANI)
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