Hate speech: Election Commission issues notice to BJP leader Giriraj Singh

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to BJP leader Giriraj Singh over his controversial statement that those opposing Narendra Modi will have to shift base from India to Pakistan, stating that it amounted to intimidation of voters. Also, objecting to his references to cow-slaughter in a speech at Deogarh, Jharkand, the poll panel said Singh had prima facie violated provisions of the model code of conduct that restrain candidates from aggravating mutual hatred or making comments on any caste or community.

Singh is the BJP candidate from Nawada Parliamentary constituency in Bihar. He has been directed by the EC to explain his remarks by 5pm on April 24, failing which it would take a decision without further reference to him.

The EC action came after the Jharkhand chief electoral officer sent a report dated April 2, quoting from his address at a public meeting in Deoghar. "At present, a subsidy is being rolled out to those indulging in cow-slaughter, but those who rear cows are not getting any benefit. You have to decide whether to live with those who rear cows or those who slaughter them... Those looking to prevent Modi's rise to power are headed for Pakistan. In the days to come, there will be no place for such people in India or Jharkhand... They will have to go to Pakistan," he was quoted as saying. He subsequently issued a similar statement in Bokaro on April 18.

The EC notice to Singh comes even as BJP has distanced itself from his remarks. Early on Tuesday, Modi tweeted his disapproval of "petty statements by those claiming to be BJP's well- wishers", stating that these were "deviating the campaign from the issues of development and good governance".

"I disapprove (of) any such irresponsible statements and appeal to those making them to kindly refrain from doing so," Modi tweeted without taking any names.