- NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Election Commission’s notice to him for his ‘panauti’ remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Sule said that Gandhi is a “fighter” and will give a “dignified and honest” answer to the poll body’s notice.
- She also accused the BJP of targeting Gandhi for his political views.
Sule’s remarks came after the Election Commission issued a notice to Gandhi for his remarks against Modi.
Election Commission of India
In a rally in Rajasthan on Tuesday, Gandhi had called Modi a “panauti” (pickpocket).
Narendra Modi, Indian politician
The BJP had filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Gandhi, alleging that his remarks were a violation of the model code of conduct.
The Election Commission has asked Gandhi to respond to the notice by Saturday evening.
Sule said that she is confident that Gandhi will give a “dignified and honest” answer to the poll body’s notice.
She also said that the BJP is targeting Gandhi for his political views.
“The BJP is trying to silence Rahul Gandhi because they are afraid of him,” Sule said.
“He is a fighter and he will not be cowed down by their threats,” she added.
Gandhi has been a vocal critic of Modi and the BJP.
He has accused the BJP of misusing power and dividing the country.
The BJP has dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as baseless.
The poll body’s notice to Gandhi is likely to escalate the political battle between the Congress and the BJP.
The two parties are locked in a bitter fight in the run-up to the assembly elections in five states.
It remains to be seen how the poll body’s decision will impact the outcome of the elections.