ECI pulls up BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay over 'sexist' comment on Mamata Banerjee: ‘Injudicious’

Abhijit Gangopadhyay has not commented on the Mamata Banerjee controversy, while BJP has insisted that the video is fake.

Updated on: May 17, 2024, 17:19:46 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a show cause notice to Abhijit Gangopadhyay, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, regarding his alleged remarks against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

Abhijit Gangopadhyay joined BJP after his resignation as Calcutta high court judge. (HT FILE/Samir Jana)

A complaint filed by the Trinamool Congress said Gangopadhyay, who is contesting from West Bengal's Tamluk constituency, reportedly made sexist comments about Mamata Banerjee during an election meeting in Haldia.

ALSO READ- ‘Can’t micromanage ECI’: Delhi HC rejects plea that sought action against PM Modi

The poll panel found Gangopadhyay's remarks in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and an ECI advisory. The commission described the comments as "improper, injudicious, beyond dignity in every sense of term and in bad taste" and asked Gangopadhyay to respond by May 20.

ALSO READ- TMC asks ECI to act against BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay for ‘vulgar remarks’

TMC asks ECI to act against Gangopadhyay

TMC complained to the ECI alleging that Gangopadhyay made objectionable remark on Mamata Banerjee's appearance and questioning her gender. "Mr Gangopadhyay has made certain highly offensive utterances, being: ‘... (English Transcription), ‘Mamata Banerjee, how much are you being sold for? Your rate is 10 lakhs, why? Because you’re getting your make-up done by Keya Seth? Mamata Banerjee, is she even a woman? I keep wondering sometimes,” the TMC had said in a complaint to ECI. Keya Seth is a well-known Bengal-based beautician.

BJP says video fake

Gangopadhyay has not commented on the controversy, while BJP insisted that the video is fake.

“The video is fake. This is a ploy by TMC. It releases fake videos to malign BJP although such tactics won’t have any effect on the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections,” said Bengal BJP’s chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya.

ALSO REAd- ECI points to ‘new course’ adopted on MCC violation, TMC calls it ‘Modi Code of Conduct’

Respond by May 20: ECI

“You are hereby called upon to show cause by 17.00 hrs of 20.05.2024 as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against you,” stated the ECI notice.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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