The model code prescribes that “no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”.
The model code also states “criticism of other political parties...based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided” and “there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes”.
BJP had complained to the Commission seeking action against Gandhi for allegedly violating the code of conduct by appealing for votes on communal lines and inciting hatred among different communities.
