'No poll code violation in Wardha speech': EC gives clean chit to PM Modi

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Tuesday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his speech in Maharashtra's Wardha in which he had slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from Wayanad and had "indicated" that the Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community.
“The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with provisions of Model Code of Conduct, R P Act, and Maharashtra CEO’s report.Accordingly, EC is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the poll panel said.
On Friday, the Congress had moved the EC against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in which he said the opposition party was "scared" to field its leaders from constituencies where majority dominates.
The party alleged that the comments by Prime Minister were "hateful and divisive".
A delegation of Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Randeep Surjewala had made five representations to the Election Commission (EC).
Complaining against the Prime Minister's speech in Wardha, the Congress alleged that Modi made some "hateful, vile and divisive" remarks against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
"The Prime Minister through his speech tried to spread hate for electoral gains which is a serious violation of the Representation of People Act," Singhvi told reporters outside the EC office.
The Election Commission had reportedly sought a factual report from poll authorities in Maharashtra on the Prime Minister's speech following the Congress's complaint.
(With inputs from PTI)