In an order issued on Friday, the Commission said, "...for repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (Star Campaigner) of Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current Bye-elections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh."
MP assembly bypolls: EC revokes star campaigner status of Kamal Nath
EC revokes star campaigner status of Kamal Nath
19:49 October 30
19:49 October 30
EC revokes star campaigner status of Kamal Nath
17:42 October 30
EC revokes star campaigner status of Kamal Nath
Bhopal: The Election Commission on Friday revoked the "star campaigner" status of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath for repeated violations of the model code while campaigning for the bypolls in 28 assembly constituencies in the state.
In an order issued on Friday, the Commission said, "...for repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (Star Campaigner) of Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current Bye-elections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh."
It said no permission will be granted by authorities to Kamal Nath as a star campaigner.
"However, if any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure related to travel, stay and visit will be completely borne by the candidate in whose constituency he carries out campaigning," he said.
READ: MP bypolls: BJP decries Nath's 'item' jibe for woman candidate
Meanwhile, ECI also advised senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya not to use words and statements that violate MCC. This is in reference to Chunnu-Munnu remarks against Kamalnath and Digvijaya Singh during the campaign.
This comes in the backdrop of Kamal Nath's jibe against a woman BJP candidate where he called her 'item'. Addressing a public gathering, Kamal Nath had said Congress candidate was a 'simple person' unlike his opponent who was an 'item', apparently referring to BJP candidate.
Nath's remarks drew strong criticism from the ruling party. The National Commission of Women and the poll watchdog issued a notice to Congress and asked the leaders to refrain from using such words during the rallies or meetings which violates model code of conduct.
Assembly elections for 28 seats in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 3 and the counting of votes will be done on November 10.
READ: War of words between Rahul and Kamal Nath over 'item' jibe
With PTI inputs
Last Updated : Oct 30, 2020, 7:58 PM IST