Congress asks if EC notice to Rahul Gandhi was ploy to prevent interview telecast

NEW DELHI: After the Election Commission withdrew its notice to Rahul Gandhi over TV interviews, the Congress tonight questioned whether it was a mere "ploy" to prevent their telecast or a justification for not taking any action against the prime minister.

The reaction came just after the poll panel withdrew the showcause notice to Gandhi for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct, saying the provision under which it was issued is now under review.

"If Election Commission has withdrawn its notice issued to Sh. Rahul Gandhi, two bonafide questions must be asked-: 1. Was it a mere ploy to prevent TV channels from showing his interview? and 2. Is it a justification for no action or registration of an FIR against PM & Ministers?" Congress communications incharge Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

The commission had on December 13 issued the show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for "prima facie" violating the provisions of the election law and the model code by giving interviews to TV channels in Gujarat.

The Congress had then made a representation before the commission demanding similar action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding an alleged roadshow on the day of polling, after casting his vote in Gujarat. The party had said said the "roadshow" was a violation of the model code.

The commission also decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology.