ECI bars KCR from campaigning for 48 hours over derogatory remarks against Congress in Sircilla

Amaravati: BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has been barred by the ECI from holding a political campaign for 48 hours beginning May 1 for reportedly using derogatory statements against Congress leaders during his previous election campaigns.

KCR embarked on a 17-day ‘Bus Yatra’ and will be addressing roadshows and meetings in 40 towns till May 10.

The commission reportedly received a complaint on April 6 from G Niranjan, vice-president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), wherein it was alleged that KCR, in his press meeting in Sircilla on April 5 made derogatory and objectionable statements against the Congress party.

The commission then directed the chief electoral officer, Telangana, to send a report on the matter.

In a statement, the ECI said that K Chandrashekar Rao, president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi had violated certain provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, for making derogatory and objectionable statements against the Congress party during his press meet in Sircilla on April 5.

The commission strongly condemned the impugned statement made by KCR during his press meeting in Sircilla and reprimanded him for the misconduct.

“Accordingly, the commission, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf, barred K Chandrashekar Rao, President, BRS, from holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, shows and interviews, public utterances in media (electronic, print, social media) etc. in connection with ongoing elections for 48 hours from 8 pm on May 1, 2024,” the statement said.

Reacting to this, KCR stated, "EC banned me from participating in the campaign for 48 hours. When Telangana CM Revanth Reddy spoke against me, EC did not ban him. Today, I am calling all BRS workers to campaign for 96 hours,"