New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (EC) on Friday revoked the star campaigner status of senior Congress leader Kamal Nath for his repeated controversial remarks ahead of Madhya Pradesh by-elections.
The election body rescinded Kamal Nath’s status for repeated ‘violation of poll code’ as well as ‘complete disregard of warnings’ to him.
“If any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure will be borne by the candidate in whose constituency campaign is being undertaken,” the Election Commission said in a statement.
Kamal Nath was earlier pulled up by Election Commission when he termed a woman candidate ‘item’ while canvassing in Dabra constituency.
“You know her better than I do, you people should have warned me beforehand… ye kya item hai… kya item hai,” Nath had reportedly said.
The Election Commission had issued notice to Kamal Nath for item jibe and also asked him to respond within 48 hours. However, in Friday’s order, the poll panel said: “…reply of Shri Kamal Nath was not found to be satisfactory and hence the commission issued an Advisory Order dated 26.10.2020…for violation of the provisions” in the Model Code of Conduct.
Despite being berated by Rahul Gandhi, Kamal Nath chose to put his foot down and refused to withdraw remarks.
“It is Rahul Gandhi’s opinion. I have already clarified the context in which I made that statement… Why should I apologise when I did not intend to insult anyone? If anyone felt insulted, I have already expressed regret,” Kamal Nath had said.