EC files criminal case against Varun Gandhi

Acting prompt and tough,the Election Commission ordered filing of a criminal case against Varun Gandhi for his alleged inflammatory speech.

Acting prompt and tough,the Election Commission on Tuesday ordered filing of a criminal case against BJP candidate Varun Gandhi for his alleged inflammatory speech with communal overtones and served notice to the party seeking its explanation.

The three-member Commission which met on Tuesday and discussed the speeches of Varun,a member of the Gandhi-Nehru family,in Pilibhit in which he had made inflammatory comments against the members of a minority community. The comments drew sharp criticism from within his party and allies and outside.

In a slew of decisions,the EC directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer to file a case under Indian Penal Code and Representation of the People Act against Gandhi.

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It 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.

At a recent election meeting in Pilibhit from where he is being fielded,Gandhi had said “this is not not a ‘Hand’ (Congress symbol),it is the power of the ‘Lotus’ (BJP symbol). It will cut the head of ……. Jai Shri Ram.”

He had also said if anyone raises a hand against Hindus and if they thought Hindus were weak and leaderless,he would cut his hand. Gandhi today,however,claimed that the video footage of his speeches was tampered with.

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