ECI serves notice to Kamal Nath over controversial remarks

Former MP chief minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath has been served a notice by the Election Commission, seeking his response in connection with his controversial remarks against a woman candidate during a poll rally. Kamal Nath had referred to Imarti Devi, who is a Cabinet minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, as an “item”.

New Delhi:The Election Commission on Wednesday served a notice to former chief minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath over his controversial remarks against a woman candidate during a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh. The EC has sought a response from him within 48 hours.

While campaigning for the Congress candidate in Dabra, Nath had referred to Imarti Devi, who is a Cabinet minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, as an “item”.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote a letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi over his remarks against Devi, a Dalit leader.

On Monday, the Election Commission had sought a “detailed report” from the chief electoral officer of Madhya Pradesh on the matter. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also sought an explanation from Nath over his remarks.

Imarti Devi and 21 other MLAs had resigned from the Congress and the state assembly and joined the BJP in March, which led to the fall of Nath-led Congress government.