A day after the Election Commission of India revoked Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath’s “star campaigner” status, the leader has moved the Supreme Court challenging Election Commission’s decision, reported PTI.
The EC on Friday said that Nath violated the model code during campaign for the by polls in 28 assembly constituencies in the state.
Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha told PTI that the senior Congress leader has challenged the EC’s decision on various grounds and an urgent hearing on the plea would be sought.
The poll panel on Friday took note of alleged breach of “ethical and dignified behaviour” and revoked the “star campaigner” status of Congress leader.
According to PTI, the ECI said, “For repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (Star Campaigner) of Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current Bye-elections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh.”
28 assembly constituencies are going to by polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 3.
The election watchdog also said that all expenses related to travel, stay and visit for any campaign events undertaken by Nath will be borne by the candidate in whose constituency the rallies are held.
On Wednesday, the ECI issued a notice to Nath over his “item” remark for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Imarti Devi.
The comments, for which Nath later expressed regret, have prompted widespread criticism as BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jyotiraditya Scindia, have slammed the Congress leader over the same.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also disapproved Nath’s remarks, calling it “unfortunate”.
