Kamal Nath reacts to EC revoking his 'star campaigner' status

After the Election Commission of India (EC) revoked his “star campaigner” status for repeatedly violating the moral code of conduct, Congress leader Kamal Nath has reacted to the same.

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister said he will comment about the EC’s decision only after November 10.

“Star campaigner is neither a post nor a status. I don’t want to comment on EC’s decision, will comment only after November 10,” Nath was quoted as saying by news agency ANI on Saturday (October 31).

Related News: ‘What an item’, Kamal Nath’s sexist remark on Imarti Devi

The veteran leader was campaigning for Madhya Pradesh bypolls in 28 assembly seats which are to be held on November 3. The results will be out on November 10.

“If any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure will be borne by the candidate in whose constituency the campaign is being undertaken,” the Election Commission said.

The EC found Nath’s response “unsatisfactory” and decided to revoke his “star campaigner” status on Friday (October 30).

Related News: EC asks Kamal Nath to explain ‘item’ jibe

The Congress party had said it will challenge the EC’s decision. “The Congress party will move court against Election Commission’s revocation of party leader Kamal Nath’s star campaigner status,” Narendra Saluja, media coordinator for Madhya Pradesh unit of Congress, was quoted as saying by ANI.

Earlier, Nath was in trouble for calling BJP candidate Imarti Devi as “item” during a poll campaign in Dabra. The BJP filed a complaint against the Congress leader.

“… the Commission, hereby advises Kamal Nath that while making public utterances he should not use any such word or statement during the period of Model Code of Conduct,” the EC had said.

In his response, Nath said, “to him and his party, upholding the honour and dignity of a woman is paramount.”

(With inputs from agencies)