Election Com. Seeks Response To Alleged Violations From Modi & Gandhi

ANI reporting that the Indian Election Commission has released comments stating that it "Takes cognizance of alleged violations by PM Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi", adding that it is seeking a response to the allegations from both Modi's BJP and the opposition Congress Party by 1100 on 29 April. Adds that "political parties are to take responsibility for the conduct of their candidates and campaigns."

• The Indian general election, which got underway on 19 April but does not conclude until ballot counting on 4 June.
• Earlier in the week PM Narendra Modi came in for criticismfrom opponents following a speech in which he, "said if the party adhered to remarks in 2006 of then Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that minority Muslims should have the "first claim on resources" to share in the fruits of development, then wealth would be distributed to "infiltrators" and those who have "more children"."
• The Congress Party has referred Modi's comments to the Election Commission, calling them "deeply objectionable".