he Election Commission Friday revoked former chief minister Kamal Nath’s “star campaigner” status for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh bypolls, citing repeated violations of the Modal Code of Conduct (MCC).The poll watchdog said it has taken the action against the Congress leader over his remark calling CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan “mafia” and “milawat khor” and for calling BJP candidate Imarti Devi an “item” in one of his poll rallies for Congress candidate.
In an order issued on Friday, the Commission said, “…for repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (Star Campaigner) of Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current Bye-elections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh.”
No permission will be granted by authorities to Kamal Nath as a star campaigner.“However, if any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure related to travel, stay and visit will be completely borne by the candidate in whose constituency he carries out campaigning,” the EC warned.
The EC had earlier said that Nath, by referring to BJP leader Imarti Devi as an “item”, had violated the MCC and advised him to not use such words during his campaign for the state bypolls.
Defending himself, Nath, in his reply to the Commission, had said there was no malice or intent to disrespect a woman behind his remark. He also said that upholding the dignity of women has been the cornerstone of his public life and is reflected in his actions and public policies. However, the Commission found Nath’s remark violative of the MCC.Earlier this month, addressing a gathering in Dabra in support of Congress candidate Suresh Raje, the former CM had said Raje is a simple man who will carry out development work “unlike her”.“