Karnataka 'Sovereignty' Remark: BJP Moves EC, Seeks Action Against Congress, Sonia Gandhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday (9 May) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, over her statement that her party would not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka’s "sovereignty or integrity".

The BJP also urged the EC to issue direction for registration of FIR against her.

The complaint was filed by BJP leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje.

Karandlaje called Sonia Gandhi's statement "shocking and unacceptable" and said that the former Congress chief has violated provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Referring to Gandhi's speech at a campaign rally in Hubballi, the Congress tweeted that the Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson "sends a strong message to 6.5 crore Kannadigas".

The party also posted pictures of Gandhi speaking at a public meeting.

"The Congress will not allow anyone to pose a threat to Karnataka’s reputation, sovereignty or integrity," the Congress tweet read.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (7 May) launched another scathing attack against the Congress party during his last rally at Nanjangud in Karnataka's Mysuru district.

PM Modi accused the Gandhi family of calling for the secession of the state from India, and "taking the lead in working against the interests" of the country, reports Indian Express.

He said the “Congress party’s royal family, Shahi Parivar”, in order to “influence politics” in the country, has been “openly inciting foreign powers to interfere” and “secretly meeting foreign diplomats who do not like India”.