New Delhi:
Narendra Modi today told the Election Commission that his 'Khooni panja' (bloody hand) comment was not a violation of the model code of conduct, and said the Congress's complaint against him was based on "an imaginative and unnatural interpretation."
Defending his use of the term 'khooni panja', Mr Modi said 'Khooni panja' or 'Zalim Haath' are popular expressions that refer to an "oppressive regime". (
read Mr Modi's letter to the Election Commission)
"The Congress (hand) symbol is central to our daily lives as human beings. We not only use our 'physical hands' literally at all times, the term is very common in our daily conversations," the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate said in his reply.
He accused his rivals of using "abusive language" against him by using terms like 'Mout Kaa Soudaagar' (merchant of death), 'frog in the well' and 'fascist' to describe him.
"The criticism of an opponent is inevitable in an election. The model code of conduct can only prohibit such criticism which amounts to a defamation in which a defence of truth is not available," Mr Modi said.
At a rally in Chhattisgarh two weeks ago, Mr Modi had said, "Yadi aap chahte hain ki Chhattisgarh ke upar kisi khooni panje ka saya na pade to aap sabhi kamal mein button dabana aur. Chhattisgarh ko khooni panje se bachana (If you want to save Chhattisgarh from the bloody hand, vote for the lotus (BJP))."
The Congress had complained to the Election Commission that Mr Modi's remarks were "intemperate, malicious and defamatory."
Sources have told NDTV that poll panel members believe Mr Modi's choice of the words 'khooni panja' left little room for doubt that it was a reference to the Congress' poll symbol, the hand.
If the full commission endorses this view, Mr Modi may face disapproval for violating the model code of conduct, which says that the criticism of a political party should be limited to its policies and programmes, not unverified allegations.