Rahul denies violating election code

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Friday denied that he violated the model code of conduct by blaming the BJP for the communal riots in Uttar Pradesh, informed sources said.

The Election Commission had asked Gandhi to explain his remarks made at rallies in Churu (Rajasthan) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), saying the BJP was responsible for the September violence in Muzaffarnagar.

Gandhi had also reportedly alleged that the Pakistani intelligence was in touch some of the riot victims -- a remark that created a furore.

The poll panel sent the notice to Gandhi after the BJP lodged a complaint.

According to the sources, Gandhi said he was legally entitled to talk about his party's ideology, policies and programmes.

The Election Commission had wanted to know why action should not be taken against "you (Gandhi) for the above mentioned violations of the model code of conduct".

The deadline for his reply was Nov 4. It was extended following a request from the Congress leader.