Violates Model Code For Elections: EC On Kamal Nath's 'Item' Remark

The Election Commission (EC) recently condemned former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Indian National Congress (INC) leader Kamal Nath for calling BJP minister Imarti Devi an ‘item’. On Monday, October 26, the EC said that Nath’s remark violated the model code for elections and advised him against using such terms.

Also Read: Two Women Ministers in Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath’s Cabinet

Congress Leader Kamal Nath’s Sexist Slur

Earlier this month, Congress leader Kamal Nath referred to legislative assembly election candidate Imarti Devi as an ‘item’ at a rally in Dabra, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He said, “Our candidate is not like her... what's her name? You know her better and should have warned me earlier... ye kya item hai.” Consequently, Imarti Devi retaliated by calling Nath a “lafanga” and a “drunkard.” Notably, Devi, along with 21 other Congress leaders, resigned and brought down Nath’s government in March to pave the way for BJP’s return to power in Madhya Pradesh.

Nath’s remark, which came ahead of the upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh next month, drew widespread flak for its alleged sexist connotations. Current Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan staged multiple protests against Nath. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned Nath’s remark and called it “unfortunate.” Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of National Commission for Women (NCW), also pushed for the Congress party to take action against Nath for his “distasteful” remark.

Also Read: 10 Things To Know About Dalit Female Political Candidate Imarti Devi

Election Commission Condemns Kamal Nath For ‘Item’ Remark

As per a Hindustan Times report, last Wednesday, the EC asked Nath to provide an explanation for his words. On Monday, the commission released an order that read, “ the Commission, hereby advises Kamal Nath, ex-chief minister Madhya Pradesh that while making public utterances he should not use any such word or statement during the period of Model Code of Conduct.”

Additionally, the EC has issued a notice to BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya to provide an explanation for calling Congress leaders Nath and Digvijaya Singh “chunnu-munnu” and traitors at a recent election rally. The notice deemed Vijayvargiya’s words to be in violation of the model code’s provisions. Vijayvargiya has been given 48 hours to explain his comments to the EC.

Tarini Gandhiok is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.