Day after barring him from Campaigning for 72 hours, The Election Commission of India on Tuesday served fresh notice to Samajwadi Party Staunch leader Azam Khan for allegedly making inflammatory remarks in the past few days in several places in Uttar Pradesh.
The Poll Commission has asked Khan to furnish his reply within 24 hours. The Body in the notice stated that why action should be taken against you as it (EC) prima Facie finds Azam Khan of violating the model code of conduct.
Giving references to various FIRs filed against the Samajwadi Party Leader under various IPC sections, Poll Body in the notice references to various inflammatory remarks made by him.
The Election Commission in the notice gave reference to the Supreme Court and said that the Court has mentioned clearly that religion and caste cannot be used by anyone while making any statement to seek votes.
Giving instances of one of his remarks, the Poll Body mentioned that one occasion, Azam Khan allegedly made controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that he has killed Muslims. In another incident as quoted by Poll Commission, he allegedly said criminals are occupying constitutional posts, in an apparent jibe at Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh.
The fresh notice served to Samajwadi Party Leader stated after quoting incidents, ‘the Election Commission, after considering the available material and extant instructions on the matter, has decided to provide you with an opportunity to explain your stand regarding the said statements.
The notice added that you are directed to furnish response within 24 hours.
Earlier the Poll Body had on Monday imposed a ban on Samajwadi Party Senior Leader Azam Khan from election campaigning for 72 hours. The Poll Panel said that a ban in effect from 10 am April 16. The Election Commission imposed a ban on the leader for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making an objectionable and controversial statement.
Samajwadi Party Staunch Leader Azam Khan has made a controversial remark in a rally at Rampur. Khan was under the scanner was making controversial jibe of ‘khaki underwear’ for BJP candidate Jaya Prada.
Apart from Azam Khan, EC also put a ban on BJP nominee from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi, Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath from Campaigning for varying hours.
General Elections have already started and 91 constituencies have voted on April 11. Uttar Pradesh will vote in all seven phases.
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