In the 2003 Assembly elections, a mistake by Sonia Gandhi jeopardized the Congress party's national status. This incident came to light during the Delhi elections.
Delhi Election: During the Delhi Assembly elections, all major political parties are striving to ensure their victory. Meanwhile, an electoral anecdote has emerged, linked to the 2003 Assembly elections. At that time, the Congress party's national status was in jeopardy due to a significant error by then Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi's Mistake in the 2003 Assembly Elections
In 2003, Assembly elections were held in states like Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The BJP-led NDA government was in power at the center. During this time, Dilip Singh Judeo, a veteran BJP leader in Chhattisgarh, was accused of bribery, forcing him to resign from his post as Union Minister of Environment and Forests. The Congress party extensively used this issue in its election campaign.
Election Commission Issues Notice for Code of Conduct Violation
The Election Commission issued a notice to Congress leaders for using government aircraft for campaigning, putting the party's national status at risk. Sonia Gandhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi were found guilty of violating the election code of conduct. The Commission asked Congress why its national recognition should not be revoked.
Congress's Defense Against the Commission's Notice
Congress provided an explanation to the Commission and defended its leaders, ultimately saving the party's national status.
On Whose Complaint Did the Election Commission Issue the Notice?
Following numerous complaints from opposition parties, the Election Commission issued notices to Sonia Gandhi and other leaders based on reports from election observers. The reports indicated that Sonia Gandhi had used government aircraft for campaigning multiple times after the election notification was issued on October 10-11.
Importance of the Model Code of Conduct and Penalties for Violation
With the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, no event can be organized at government expense that benefits a particular party. During this period, ministers and chief ministers cannot announce new schemes or projects. Violation of this code of conduct can have serious consequences, as seen in Sonia Gandhi's case.
