‘Revenge’ speech: EC seeks Shah’s explanation

LUCKNOW: The Election Commission (EC) on Monday sought an explanation from BJP leader Amit Shah for his provocative speech in western Uttar Pradesh last week. Shah has been given time till 5 pm of April 9 to reply.

In his speech at a meeting with Jat leaders in Bijnore, Shah had sought “revenge” for Muzaffarnagar riots by seeking votes for BJP. Chief electoral officer (CEO) Umesh Sinha said the statement by Shah “violated the model code of conduct.”

In the notice to Shah, EC principal secretary RK Srivastava said the Lok Sabha election schedule was announced on March 5 and the model code of conduct came into effect since then.

“The provision of model code clearly states that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing difference or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities. The sub para (3) of para 1 of the code provides that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes,” Srivastava said.

The commission saw reports of Shah’s meetings in Shamli on April 3, and Bijnore and Muzaffarnagar on April 4, during which he had allegedly made inflammatory speech.

A copy of the video recording of each meeting and news clips telecast on various news channels have been sent to Shah.