New Delhi: The Election Commission on Thursday issued a notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning him about calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “panauti” (bringer of bad luck) during a Rajasthan rally on November 21.
The Election Commission has summoned Gandhi to appear by 6 pm on Saturday, November 25. The notice specifically focuses on Gandhi’s comments where he referred to the Prime Minister as “panauti” and used the term “jeb katra.”
The Congress leader took a dig at PM Modi with a “panauti” comment, suggesting a connection between his presence and India’s loss to Australia in the World Cup finals in Ahmedabad. “Panauti… panauti… Achha bhalaa hamare ladke wahaan World Cup jeetne waale the, par panauti harwaa diya. TV waale ye nahin kahenge magar janta jaanti hai (Our boys were going to win the World Cup, but panauti got them defeated. TV channels will not say this but the public knows),” Gandhi said at the rally.
The BJP responded strongly, alleging that Gandhi resorted to offensive language against the Prime Minister due to the frustration stemming from electoral defeats.
Calling for an apology from Gandhi over his recent statement, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “What has happened to you, Rahul Gandhi? You are so troubled because of the frustration of losses that you are using abusive language against the Prime Minister of the country. Our Prime Minister loves our players and goes to boost their morale and to help them. The Bharatiya team is doing well in Asiads, Olympics, and Paralympics. Our players played very well. It’s all right – defeat and victory happen. Rahul Gandhi must apologize.”