New Delhi: Narendra Modi, who is running for Prime Minister, was censured by the Election Commission today for his controversial "khooni panja" remark against the Congress, and warned to be "more careful" in his speeches. (
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Mr Modi had contended that he had not used the term, which means bloodied claw, to pillory the Congress party's symbol, the hand. He had said that he used the phrase colloquially, and that he is entitled to use his right to free speech to criticise the policies of a rival party.
The Commission rejected those arguments, said that freedom of speech is not absolute, and that even colloquial utterances must conform with "dignity, decorum and public morality."
Mr Modi used the contentious expression at a recent election rally in Chhattisgarh, where his party, the BJP is seeking a third term.
He was asked for an explanation after the Congress alleged that he had violated the model code of conduct which kicks in when elections are announced, and provides the dos and don'ts for politicians in the run-up to voting.
Earlier this month, the Election Commission also castigated Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Vice-President, for accusing the BJP of inciting communal riots across the country. Mr Gandhi was chided for the "tone and tenor" of those comments.