The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) President and state Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The notice dated April 9, was issued after the Commission received a complaint from M Rama Raju, State President Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP). It cited a campaign speech made by KCR where he allegedly insulted Hindus.
“The complainant has stated that you have tried to secure votes by passing derogatory remarks against Hindus while addressing an election rally at Karimnagar on March 17. The Commission has obtained English version of the speech and factual report from the Chief Electoral Officer, Telangana,” the notice states.
“The Commission is prima facie of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement which has the potential of disturbing harmony and aggravating the existing differences between social and religious communities and appealing to communal feelings, you have violated the Model Code of Conduct,” the notice stated.
KCR in his speech had referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said, "Ee Hindu Gaalu...bondu baalu...dikkumalina...
In the same speech, KCR had also said, "BJP leaders say they are the only Hindus. Then what is their problem if Hindus (like me) perform puja and yagnas? Are you the only ones who can safeguard our culture? Were there no temples before the BJP came?”
The Commission had said in its notice that the speech violated guidelines that says that “no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic. It also cited rules which “prohibit appeal to communal feelings for securing votes”
The Commission ordered KCR to submit an explanation on or before 5 pm on April 12, failing which the EC would take a decision on further action to be taken.
Lok Sabha Elections in Telangana are scheduled in a single phase on April 11.