The BJP on Saturday asked the Election Commission (EC) to suspend the social media account of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing him of violating poll guidelines with his post on X on the day of the Rajasthan Assembly polls.
Rrahul has “flouted the 48 hours silence zone limit”, alleged the party.
In his post Rahul urged people to elect the Congress and said, “Rajasthan will choose free treatment. Rajasthan will choose cheaper gas cylinder. Rajasthan will choose interest-free agricultural loan. Rajasthan will choose English education. Rajasthan will choose OPS. Rajasthan will choose caste census.”
The BJP wrote to the EC saying his post violates the silence period of 48 hours during which any type of campaign is barred.
It accused the ex-Congress chief of violating the Representation of the People Act and the Model Code of Conduct and sought the EC’s action.
“The social media platform X and its functionaries may also be directed to immediately suspend the account and remove the aforestated offending contents with immediate effect lest it further violates the 48-hour silence zone and cause irreparable injury to the doctrine of free and fair elections,” it said.
The BJP said the poll panel should also direct the Chief Election Officer, Rajasthan, to file a criminal complaint and initiate criminal prosecution against Gandhi.
The poll watchdog has reiterated that TV, radio channels, cable networks, internet websites and social media platforms should ensure that the contents of the programmes by them during 48 hours referred to in Section 126 (RP Act) do not contain any material that may be construed as promoting or prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also urged the people of Rajasthan to cast their ballot. “Your every vote, for a beautiful future, for rights, for Congress’ guarantee,” she said.