EC bans Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours over derogatory remarks against Hema Malini
New Delhi/IBNS: The Election Commission Tuesday banned Congress leader Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours over his alleged derogatory remarks on actor-turned-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Hema Malini.
This is the first ban on any leader by the poll body during this election season.
The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Surjewala over his remarks on Hema Malini, which were described as "undignified, uncivilised, and vulgar".
After reviewing Surjewala's response, the poll body condemned the same and reprimanded him for his misconduct.
Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the EC has prohibited Surjewala from any election campaign during the next 48 hours starting 6 PM Tuesday including addressing public meetings, holding rallies, road shows, and media appearances.
In its notice, the poll body deemed Surjewala's remarks as highly inappropriate and potentially violative of the Model Code of Conduct in place during the elections.
BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya shared the video which showed Surjewala allegedly making derogatory comments about the actor-politician.
In his defence, Surjewala has accused the BJP IT cell of distorting his remarks.