War of words: Rahul, Modi battle puts EC in tough spot

It seems for every 'khooni panja' there is an 'ISI agent'. The level of political discourse ahead of the 2014 elections has reached an all time low. With personal barbs flying thick and fast from both sides, the Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath must feel like an umpire in an India-Pakistan cricket match.

The fight between India's two main political parties is getting uglier with each passing rally.

In Chhattisgarh alone the election commission has received 1700 complaints of violation of the model code of conduct, whereas the number of election related complaints received by the EC's Delhi office across the 5 poll-bound states has crossed 6000.

On Wednesday the BJP moved the Election Commission to derecognise the Congress as a political party accusing its vice president Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly violating the model code of conduct and for calling its Chhattisgarh government a bunch of 'thieves and looters.'

Congress had made a similar demand against the BJP over statements made by its senior leaders like Sushma Swaraj and PM candidate Narendra Modi. Modi had taunted Rahul Gandhi asking if the funds provided by the Centre came from his uncle. He also asked Rahul to take charge of the Congress party as, Modi said, Sonia was too ill to continue.

Meanwhile, leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj had said in a TV interview that Rahul Gandhi was confused.

The poll watchdog has already rebuked Rahul Gandhi for his statements alleging ISI agents were in touch with Muzaffarnagar riot victims, asking him "to be more circumspect in public utterances during election campaigns". It looks set to do the same to Narendra Modi for referring to the Congress party's election symbol as a 'khooni panja' and a 'zaalim haath' in a rally in Chhattisgarh.

Meanwhile the party has defended Modi for his "khooni panja" (bloody claw) remarks against Congress, saying he has submitted his clarification to the Commission.

Congress has also cried foul over Modi saying that the CBI and Indian Mujahideen will contest elections to 'save' its future.

The violations fall under sub-Para (2) of Para 1 of the model code, which provides that "criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and works... criticism of other parties and their workers based on unverified allegations and distortions shall be avoided".