The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued notice to former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seeking explanation on his “item” remark against former party colleague and BJP candidate for bypolls Imarti Devi.
During his address in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior on Sunday, Kamal Nath had triggered a controversy calling Imarti Devi an “item”, drawing strong reactions from the ruling dispensation.
The ECI notice to Nath on Wednesday said: “The Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in making the above said statement within 48 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without further reference to you.”
Following a huge controversy and criticisms, Kamal Nath on Monday tried to explain his remark claiming that he was not insulting anyone but forgot “the person’s” name.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also disapproved of the language Nath used to describe a woman.
The attack on Nath also came from Imarti Devi who has urged Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to remove the veteran politician from her outfit.
“I request Sonia Gandhi to remove him from her party,” said Imarti Devi.
In protest against Nath’s comment, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Chouhan on Monday held a silent protest with a two-hour “Maun Vrat” in the state capital Bhopal.
