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EC Bans Randeep Surjewala’s Campaigning for Derogatory Remarks

Kalyani Jha
16 Apr, 2024

The Election Commission (EC) took a stern stance by banning Congress leader Randeep Surjewala from campaigning for 48 hours due to his “derogatory remarks” about BJP leader Hema Malini. This development marks the first campaign ban in the ongoing Lok Sabha election cycle.

EC’s Decision and Reprimand:

• The EC issued a show-cause notice to Surjewala for allegedly making “undignified, uncivilized, and vulgar” remarks about Hema Malini during an election campaign in Haryana.

• After reviewing Surjewala’s response, the poll body strongly condemned his statement and reprimanded him for misconduct, citing violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and its advisory issued to parties.

Ban Details and Article 324 Powers:

• Under Article 324 of the Constitution and its authority, the EC barred Surjewala from engaging in public activities such as meetings, processions, rallies, road shows, interviews, and media utterances related to the ongoing elections for 48 hours starting from 6 pm on April 16.

EC’s Assessment of Remarks:

• The EC characterized Surjewala’s comments as “highly undignified, vulgar, and uncivilized” and found them prima facie violative of MCC provisions and its advisory to political parties.

BJP’s Response and Allegations:

• The controversy stemmed from a video shared by BJP IT department head Amit Malviya, allegedly showing Surjewala making objectionable remarks about Hema Malini while criticizing the BJP.

• The BJP lodged a complaint with the EC, denouncing Surjewala’s statements as “vulgar, sexist, and disparaging.”

Surjewala’s Defense and Claim of Doctored Video:

• In response, Surjewala defended himself, claiming that the video was doctored and manipulated. He asserted that he never intended to offend or demean Hema Malini.

The EC’s decisive action underscores its commitment to maintaining decorum and civility in political discourse during elections, emphasizing the need for responsible and respectful conduct by all political leaders and parties.