Be more circumspect in speeches: EC tells Rahul Gandhi

The Election Commission Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the reply of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to charges of violation of the model code of conduct in his speeches and advised him to be more circumspect in his utterances during campaigning.

"Having regard to the totality of facts and circumstances of the case and submissions and contentions made by you (Rahul Gandhi) in your reply under reference, the commission conveys its displeasure and advises you to be more circumspect in your public utterances during election campaigns," the Election Commission said in its order.

The poll panel had sent Gandhi a notice following a complaint by the Bharatiya Janata Party over violation of the model code of conduct in his two speeches in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi had replied to the poll panel's notice Nov 8.