Jaipur (Rajasthan): Reacting to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's allegations over her 'envelope' remarks, Devnarayan Temple priest Hemraj Poswal asserted that the news had been deliberately "planted" by certain individuals seeking "political advantage."
"We never said that PM Modi had put an envelope in the donation box. The media brought up this issue. When the donation box was opened, many envelopes were found. Some people want to take political advantage and for this, they planted such news. We condemn such things. We have never authorised that envelope was put inside the box by PM Modi," Priest Poswal said.
He further said that parties should refrain from indulging in politics in the name of religion, temple and donation.
"Politics should not be done in the name of religion, temple and donation by any political party. I want to tell Priyanka Gandhi that devotees come to the temple for their faith, not for donation," he added.
Earlier, Priyanka Gandhi in a public event in Dausa said," I recently saw something on TV. I don't know if it is true or not. PM Modi went to the Devnarayan temple and submitted an envelope in the donation box. People were wondering what it contained, but when it was opened Rs 21 came out of it."
Moreover, the Election Commission on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her 'envelope' remarks related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's temple visit in Rajasthan's Dausa.
The commission has asked Priyanka Gandhi to respond to the notice by 5 pm on October 30.
"Therefore you are hereby called upon to show cause by 5 pm of October 30, 2023 (Monday) as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against you," ECI stated.
ECI said that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forums for election propaganda.
The notice has been sent for allegedly violating Model Code of Conduct guidelines during the election campaign in Rajasthan.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had submitted a complaint to the EC yesterday saying she made false, unverified allegations.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal alleged that Priyanka Gandhi has violated the Model Code of Conduct and that strict action should be taken against her. (ANI)