Election Commission Imposes 48-Hour Campaigning Ban on K Chandrashekar Rao

The Election Commission has imposed a 48-hour ban on BRS president K Chandrashekar Rao’s campaigning, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The ban, effective from 8 PM today, comes after a complaint lodged by Congress leader G Niranjan, alleging “derogatory and objectionable” remarks made by Rao against the party.

In a statement, the Commission condemned Rao’s statements made during a press meet in Sircilla on April 5, 2024, and reprimanded him for the misconduct. Citing Article 324 of the Constitution, the Commission prohibited Rao from conducting public meetings, processions, rallies, interviews, and media utterances for the specified 48-hour period.

The decision followed a factual report submitted by Telangana’s Chief Electoral Officer regarding Niranjan’s complaint on April 9. The report highlighted Rao’s comparison of Congress workers to “latkhor” (stray dogs).

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Rao defended himself, asserting that the Congress had misrepresented his statements from the press conference. He argued that the English translation of his remarks was incorrect and twisted.

After reviewing Niranjan’s complaint and Rao’s response, along with other relevant records, the Commission concluded that Rao’s statements at the Sircilla press meet breached MCC provisions and the Commission’s directives.

This action underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring fair play among political parties during the election period.