ECI Bans KCR from Campaigning for 48 Hours Due to Controversial Comments on Congress
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has barred Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR). From conducting public meetings, processions, rallies, shows, interviews, or making public statements in the media for 48 hours. This ban follows KCR’s controversial remarks against the Congress party in April.
The ECI’s four-page order, issued on Wednesday, condemned KCR’s inflammatory language during a press meet in Sircilia on April 5. Where he used derogatory terms like “latkhors,” “pakka chavata,” “daddhamas,” and “chetakani chavatas,” all of which translate to “useless fellows.” He also warned that “If you fail to give a 500 bonus, we will bite your throats and kill you.”
The complaint against KCR was filed by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Vice-President G Niranjan on April 6. Alleging that the BRS leader made vulgar and derogatory remarks against the Congress during his press conference. Following this complaint, the ECI issued a show-cause notice to KCR.
ECI Bans KCR from Campaigning for 48 Hours Due to Controversial Comments on Congress
In his response to the show-cause notice, KCR defended his statements. Claiming they were taken out of context and that the English translation was inaccurate. He also stated that he had criticized only the policies and programs of the Congress and had not attacked any individual Congress leaders personally.
However, the ECI found KCR’s explanation insufficient and decided to enforce a 48-hour ban. According to the order, the Commission, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. Barred KCR from holding public meetings, processions, rallies, interviews, or public utterances in any form from 8:00 PM on May 1, 2024.
The ECI’s decision also cited KCR’s previous violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), mentioning that he had been served notice in May 2019 and November 2023. This disciplinary action marks KCR as the second politician to face such a ban during the ongoing election cycle. Last month, a similar order was issued against Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala for his comments referencing BJP MP and Lok Sabha candidate Hema Malini.