New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday approached the Election Commission (EC) against Sonia Gandhi, urging it to file an FIR and initiate “exemplary punitive action” against her, The Indian Express reported.
BJP brought to EC’s notice the former Congress president’s alleged “sovereignty of Karnataka” remarks during an election rally in poll-bound Karnataka’s Hubbali district.
On May 6, Congress’ official Twitter handle posted, “CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji sends a strong message to 6.5 crores Kannadigas: The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka’s reputation, sovereignty or integrity.”
In the complaint to EC, BJP attached a screenshot of Congress’ tweet on what Sonia said, and alleged: “The Congress believes that Karnataka is separate from India… This is a shocking statement leading to igniting divisive sentiments and to create disharmony in society.”
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who led BJP’s delegation to the EC, said use of the word “sovereignty” was deliberate and called the agenda of ‘tukde tukde gang.’
“The Congress is using words against the unity and integrity of India that should not have been used. The Election Commission heard our issues with seriousness,” Yadav said.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Gandhi family at his campaign rally in Mysuru’s Nanjangud, saying the ‘Shahi Parivar’ of the Congress wanted Karnataka to secede from India.
