Election Commission Issues Notice to Congress’s Charanjit Channi for “Poll Stunt” Remark on J&K Attack

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th May. The Election Commission has reprimanded Charanjit Singh Channi, Congress candidate from Jalandhar, for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making derogatory remarks regarding the recent Poonch terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Former Punjab chief minister Channi faced backlash after referring to the tragic incident, which claimed the life of an Indian Air Force soldier and left four others injured, as a “poll stunt” orchestrated to benefit the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.

A spokesperson from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab confirmed that Channi has been summoned by the district election officer-cum-deputy commissioner of Jalandhar to explain his statement.

The Election Commission has issued a stern warning to Channi, advising him against future violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and emphasizing the need to adhere to its guidelines diligently.

Despite being given the opportunity to clarify his stance, Channi’s response was deemed unsatisfactory by the commission, as it violated the MCC clause prohibiting criticism of other political parties based on unverified allegations or distortions.

The Poonch attack, which occurred on May 4, resulted in the loss of one soldier’s life and injuries to four others. Channi’s remark dismissing the incident as mere “stunts” orchestrated during election seasons drew widespread condemnation.