The Election Commission of India has taken a significant step in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent comment referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “panauti” (harbinger of bad luck). Gandhi made this statement during a political rally in Rajasthan on November 21, and it has since stirred controversy and drawn sharp reactions from the BJP.
In his address at the rally, Rahul Gandhi linked Prime Minister Modi’s presence to India’s loss against Australia in the World Cup finals in Ahmedabad. He said, “Panauti… panauti… Achha bhalaa hamare ladke wahaan World Cup jeetne waale the, par panauti harwaa diya. TV waale ye nahin kahenge magar janta jaanti hai (Our boys were going to win the World Cup, but panauti got them defeated).”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in responding to Gandhi’s remarks, accusing him of using abusive language against the Prime Minister due to frustration stemming from electoral losses. Ravi Shankar Prasad, a prominent BJP leader, demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, expressing his concern over the use of derogatory language. He stated, “What has happened to you, Rahul Gandhi? You are so troubled because of the frustration of losses that you are using abusive language against the Prime Minister of the country. Our Prime Minister loves our players and goes to boost their morale and to help them.”
Union Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar also weighed in on the controversy, condemning Gandhi’s choice of words. He remarked, “So now Rahul refers to PM Narendra Modi ji as ‘Panauti.’ There’s more than irony or hypocrisy at work here…The reason is that PM Narendra Modi ji is a nightmare for the Crooks of Congress, for enemies of India and terrorists. For all others, he is the world’s most popular political leader.”
In response to the complaint filed by the BJP, the Election Commission has issued a showcause notice to Rahul Gandhi, summoning him to appear before it by 6 pm on Saturday, November 25. The notice specifically questions Gandhi’s “panauti” and “jeb katra” remarks against the Prime Minister.
This development comes amidst an escalating war of words between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties trading accusations and criticisms in the lead-up to crucial elections.
