Cong fumes as MP CM asks voters to clean out 'hand' in polls

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's hygiene-related advice with words like "haath" and "saaf" to voters ahead of assembly elections in Bihar and or states riled opposition Congress on Saturday, prompting it to approach election commission.

Taking umbr at Chouhan's tweet, state Congress unit has lodged a complaint with poll watchdog demanding that it file a criminal case against CM for "defaming" name of Opposition party, an office-bearer told PTI.

"'Mere pyare doston, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karntaka sahit desh bhar me kai jagah chunav hone wale hain. Hamen corona kaal ko dekhte huey chunav aayog ke disha nirdeshon ka poora dhyan rakhna hai. 'Haath' poori tarah 'sanitise' kar 'saaf' kar dena hai'," Chouhan tweeted.

tweet can be translated as: "My dear friends, elections are going to be held in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka along with or places in country. In view of coronavirus pandemic, we should adhere to EC's guidelines. Santise hand completely and clean it (wipe it out)".

Hand is traditional election symbol of Indian National Congress (INC).

Congress took objection to single inverted commas used by BJP leader for words 'haath', 'sanitize', and 'saaf' in tweet.

"Chouhan has used se three words in violation of guidelines of EC. He has also used poll body's name in a misleading manner in his tweet," said state Congress spokesperson J P Dhapia.

He said complaint addressed to chief election commissioner has been lodged with state chief electoral officer.

Assembly bypolls are due in Madhya Pradesh on 28 seats.