April 9, 2024: The Election Commission of India on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala for his undignified comments against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Hema Malini and sought a response by April 11.

The ECI also demanded action from the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on ensuring respectful public discourse towards women by party leaders and functionaries. The poll body reiterated that election campaigns cannot be allowed to become a platform for any kind of dishonour to women.

Meanwhile, reacting to Surjewala's remark, Hema Malini on Thursday said that the leaders of the opposition should learn how to respect women from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, "They target only popular people because targeting the unpopular ones won't do them any good”.

After facing a backlash from the leaders of the BJP over his alleged objectionable statement against BJP MP Hema Malini, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Thursday clarified that he never intended to insult or hurt the actor-politician.