Don't field Varun Gandhi, EC tells BJP

Holding the BJP candidate from Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi, guilty of delivering speeches that violated model code of conduct, Election Commission has asked BJP not to field him.

The Election Commission (EC) deliberated over the issue and after examining the CD that has a recording of Varun's speeches, held him guilty of misconduct and causing enmity among sections of society.

The EC order further says that the speeches have highly objectionable and derogatory references towards a community and provoke citizens to indulge in violence. It also asked the BJP not to field him as its candidate.

"Fielding him in the election would be held as endorsing his views that are unpardonable", says the order that terms the speech as a threat to the social, democratic and plural fabric of the country.

Varun had delivered speeches in his election meetings in Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh). The speeches wee mainly directed at Muslims but also had derogatory reference to the Sikh community.

TIH Bureau