Election Commission bans KCR from campaigning for 48 hours

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned former Telangana Chief Minister and TRS president K Chandrashekar Rao for the next 48 hours from campaigning.

The action was taken based on a complaint by Congress leader Niranjan Reddy, who informed the EC that KCR had made highly objectionable remarks against the Congress party and its leaders during a media conference held on April 5 in Sircilla district. These remarks were deemed to be in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Congress leaders complained to the EC about BRS leader KCR for making objectionable remarks. The Election Commission responded to this and took action by banning KCR from campaigning for 48 hours.

Following an inquiry based on the complaint, the Election Commission sought an explanation from KCR. Local officials explained that they could not fully understand the Telangana dialect. Not satisfied with this, the EC concluded that KCR, who is the star campaigner of the BRS, had violated the election rules. KCR has announced that he will not campaign for the Lok Sabha elections for 48 hours starting from 8 pm on May 1, 2024.

KCR claims that his words were misrepresented

"The authorities did not understand my words properly. They couldn't fully grasp the local dialect. Congress leaders picked out certain comments and complained about them. My comments were inaccurately translated into English. I merely highlighted the failures of Congress policies and promises. Congress leaders have twisted my words," said KCR.