Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is facing complaints from the BJP for allegedly making remarks about the “sovereignty” of Karnataka during a campaign speech in Hubballi-Dharwad on Saturday. The BJP has submitted cases in New Delhi and Bengaluru, calling for disciplinary action against Sonia and the cancellation of Congress’ registration. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested clarification from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and ordered Congress to take corrective action regarding a tweet attributed to the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson.
Sonia reportedly stated that the Congress will not allow anyone to endanger Karnataka’s reputation, sovereignty, or integrity. The BJP claims that this statement implies that Karnataka is a separate entity from India and could cause social unrest. Shobha Karandlaje, the convenor of the BJP election management committee and Union Minister of State for Agriculture, submitted a complaint in Bengaluru and called for a FIR against Sonia for breaking the Model Code of Conduct.
The ECI has asked for clarification from Kharge regarding Sonia’s remarks and ordered Congress to take corrective action regarding a social media message attributed to the CPP chairperson.
