Panauti Jibe at PM: ECI Advises Rahul Gandhi to Exercise Caution in Public Utterances

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to exercise caution in his public statements following his recent remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This advisory comes in response to a directive from the Delhi High Court last year, which criticized Gandhi’s use of terms like “panauti” (bad omen) and “pickpocket” against the Prime Minister.

In adherence to the High Court’s directive, the ECI has emphasized the need for political leaders, including star campaigners like Gandhi, to comply with the Model Code of Conduct during election campaigns. The Commission’s advisory, issued on March 1, warned of strict action against parties and candidates for any violations.

Gandhi had previously received a notice from the ECI for his remarks made during the assembly elections in Rajasthan, particularly targeting Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. Following the court’s intervention, the ECI has advised Gandhi to exercise greater care in his future public statements.