Kamal Nath Violated Code Of Conduct, No More 'Star Campaigner': Election Commission

The Election Commission removed politician Kamal Nath from the “star campaigner” status of his political party in Madhya Pradesh by-polls. This decision follows the series of derogatory remarks the 73-year-old Congress politician made in the past few days. The Commission has cited Nath’s repeated violation of code of conducts, ethical and dignified behaviour, as the reason behind the decision.

A statement issued by the Commission read, “For repeated violation of Model of Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission here by revokes the status of the leader of political party (star campaigner) of Shri Kamal Nath, Ex-Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect.”

Kamal Nath earlier was warned by Election Commission when he used the term “item” to address a Dalit woman politician, Imarti Devi in one of his campaigns in Dabra. A video of his campaign went viral in which he said that he is a “simple man” as opposed to Devi who is an “item”. Devi is a former Congress leader who recently quit Nath’s party. This weakened the party’s hold as the ruling government which ultimately led to its dissolution in March.

Also Read: Kamal Nath’s Sexist Slur : Calls Dalit Female Political Candidate Imarti Devi ‘Item’

The Election Commission issued a warning to Nath on October 21 saying that he cannot use "such words or statements" while following a code of conduct during campaigns. The warning was issued after BJP complained the election body against Nath. Moreover, National Commission of Women also flagged it and demanded an explanation from Nath for his derogatory comment. In a statement, NCW condemned his comment as “irresponsible” and “disparaging” that disrespected a woman politician. “At a time when we want more women to enter politics, such disrespectful remarks against a woman leader, that too from a person holding such a responsible position is very unfortunate, " NCW stated.

The EC had also asked Nath’s clarification on his comment within 48 hours of the warning. Then, in the next order, the commission stated that Nath’s reply was not satisfactory. And hence “the commission issued an Advisory Order dated 26.10.2020…for violation of the provisions.” Read the full report here.

EC has condemned Nath for another controversial statement he made against the current Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. On October 13, during his election campaign, he told that Chouhan is a “nautanki kalakar” who should act in films.

He also said, "Aapke Bhagwan toh woh maafia hai jisse aapne Madhya Pradesh ki pehchaan banai. Aapke bhagwan toh milawat-khor hain" (Your God is a mafia)

The Election Commission however also said that in case Nath wants to campaign for elections, he will have to pay for all the expenses including those of travel and stay.

Madhya Pradesh by-polls is scheduled to happen on November 3 to fill 28 vacant seats of Madhya Pradesh Assembly. The results will be declared on November 10.

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