Times of India
NEW DELHI, Mar 17: The Election Commission on Tuesday filed a criminal case under non-bailable law against BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha Varun Gandhi for allegedly making inflammatory remarks with communal overtones and served notice to the party seeking its explanation.
The three-member commission directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer to file a case under Indian Penal Code and Representation of the People Act against Gandhi, PTI reported.
The EC ordered issue of notice to BJP and Gandhi for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct. The EC also ordered transfer of district officials and suspended two others for alleged dereliction of duty.
Earlier in the day, Varun Gandhi claimed that the CD containing his speech has been tampered with. "I know it has been (tampered with)", he told TV channels while replying to a question.
"All I want to say is that tomorrow I will be addressing a press conference in Delhi and I will be clarifying my stand on every single issue....I will be addressing from a proper party forum," the young scion of the estranged Gandhi family said.
At a recent election meeting in Pilibhit from where he is being fielded, Varun had said "this is not a 'Hand' (Congress symbol), it is the power of the 'Lotus' (BJP symbol). It will cut the head of ....... Jai Shri Ram."
Continuing in the same vein, the grandson of Indira Gandhi and son of the late Sanjay Gandhi and Maneka told another meeting "If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand.”
On a complaint from the Congress party, Varun was slapped with a notice by the Election Commission charging him with violation of the model code of conduct for elections for allegedly making communal remarks during a rally held on March 6 in Pilibhit.
Varun has also come under attack from within the party and its allies. Terming the comments as "shocking", BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain demanded an unconditional apology from him while the party asked all its poll nominees to "practice caution" in their speech.
We have advised all our candidates to practise caution and restrain in their speeches," party spokesperson Siddarth Nath Singh said.
Asked if his party would initiate any action against its candidate from Pilibhit for his alleged inflammatory speech, Singh said "that is to be seen but we do not subscribe to such views and this is sure."
Varun had faced criticism from BJP vice president Mukthar Abbas Naqvi yesterday who said his remarks were a manifestation of his Congress past.
BJP's ally and JD (U) leader Shivanand Tiwari said that the Election Commission should take cognisance of Gandhi's speech and that there should be a "legitimate" inquiry.
In his reply submitted to the District Magistrate M P Agarwal, the BJP candidate had denied the charge.