The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday took cognisance of alleged model code of conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The poll panel sought responses from both the Congress and BJP by April 29.

Both BJP and Congress had raised allegations against Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi respectively for causing hatred through their election campaign speeches.

The Election Commission shared the alleged model code violations by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi with BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The ECI has sought a response from them by 11 am on April 29.

While serving notice, the ECI noted that campaign speeches by those holding high positions were of more serious consequences.

"Political parties will have to take primary and increasing responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences," the poll watchdog said.

Source: India Today