The Election Commission declared on Thursday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students at a women's college in Chennai did not violate the model code of conduct, although it has sought a report on his speech.
Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) claimed that the local election officials have reported that wasn’t any violation in terms of permission obtained by Stella Maris College for Women to host the interaction on 13th March.
He further said that the District Electoral Officer (DEO) has brought to his notice that there was official permission to hold the Congress President’s event. He further noted that he has sought further information on what kind of speech was given and has asked the DEO to give a report based on the speech content.
Initially, the Tamil Nadu government had issued an ordered to carry out an inquiry as to how the college gave its approval for Rahul to interact with its students when the model code for elections was in force.
R Sarumathi, Director of Collegiate Education, had directed a subordinate official to inquire into the matter.
During his interaction with the students, Rahul Gandhi promised 33% reservation in government jobs for women and answered several other questions of the students.
In the interactive session, he also brought up the issue of the Rafale deal and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process.