New Delhi: As campaigning in Karnataka gets intense, the BJP approached the Election Commission of India, picking on Sonia Gandhi’s ‘sovereignty’ remarks.
The BJP sought action against Gandhi and her party after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of calling for ‘separating’ Karnataka from India.
On May 6, the Congress tweeted quoting Sonia Gandhi as describing that Congress will not allow any threat to ‘Karnataka’s reputation and sovereignty or integrity’.
‘The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka's reputation, sovereignty or integrity,’ the tweet said.
The BJP said in its letter to the Election Commission that the tweet is ‘well-considered evil design to provoke the staunch nationalists, peace-loving, progressive and globally recognised people of Karnataka’.
It further added that the tweet is intended to ‘disturb the equanimity, harmony and peace’ for garnering votes, by supporting some select communities and groups in the state.
Calling the tweet ‘ unfortunate and inappropriate’, the BJP said even remotely suggesting secession of the state is like insulting people who were at the forefront of India’s independence movement and susbquently contributing to art, culture, education, industry and trade.
The BJP’s letter to the Election Commission further warned that a call for ‘secession and is fraught with perilous and pernicious consequences.’