Author: Agencies
Publication: The Times of India
Date: January 6, 2008
The Election Commission has held Congress
MP Rajeev Shukla guilty of violation of the model code of conduct for his
remarks against Gujarat chief m i n i s t e r Narendra Modi during the assembly
polls in the state and advised him to be more cautious in the future.
"The commission, after careful consideration
of all aspects, has come to the conclusion that in the instant case, the model
code of conduct has clearly been violated,'' the commission said in its order
passed on December 31.
The commission conveyed its "severe displeasure''
to Shukla and advised him to be more cautious in the future so that the provisions
of the model code of conduct are adhered to and duly observed in its letter
and spirit. Shukla had been issued a notice by the commission for his critical
comments against Modi at an election rally in Valsad on December 7.
The commission noted that the Congress leader
has not denied the comments in question and said the justification provided
by him for making the remarks was "not acceptable''. "These words/utterances
amount to an attack on the personal character of a political functionary..."
it said.
