The Election Commission has imposed a 48-hour ban on Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala's campaigning, effective from 6 p.m. on Tuesday. This action stems from derogatory remarks made by Surjewala against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini.
The Election Commission took this step after issuing show cause notices to both Surjewala and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the offensive comments directed at Hema Malini.
The controversy arose following the circulation of a video on social media where Surjewala was purportedly heard making disparaging remarks.
In the video, Surjewala, speaking in Hindi, allegedly remarked, "Why do people elect their MLAs/MPs? So that MLAs/MPs can raise the public’s voice. It’s not like Hema Malini, who was elected to lick."
These remarks prompted swift condemnation from the BJP, denouncing it as a "new low to disrespect and demean the dignity of women."
In its order, the EC noted that Surjewala responded to the notice on April 11, claiming that the video cited by the complainant was doctored.
"The Commission carefully reviewed the contents and statements made in Surjewala's reply. The Commission received a report from the DEO Kaithal stating that the objectionable remarks were made during a speech by Randeep Singh Surjewala on March 31, 2024, at Faral village of Pundri assembly constituency in Kaithal district. The entire speech was recorded by the video surveillance team deployed by DEO. After examining the video, the Commission concluded that Surjewala had indeed made the said statement, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct," the EC order stated.
"The Commission strongly condemns the impugned statement made by Surjewala during the election campaign in Haryana and reprimands him for the misconduct. Under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other relevant powers, the Commission prohibits Surjewala from holding any public meetings, processions, rallies, road shows, interviews, or making public utterances in the media (electronic, print, social media) for 48 hours from 6 p.m. on April 16," it added.
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