BJP general secretary Amit Shah requested the Election Commission on Saturday to review its order which bans him from conducting rallies in Uttar Pradesh. The commission has restrained him from holding rallies and meetings for making “highly inflammatory speeches” at three places in Uttar Pradesh during the campaign.
BJP sources said Mr. Shah had asked for a review of the decision. The commission had given him time till Saturday evening to reply in the matter of the alleged hate speech.
The Election Commission has also restrained Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan from holding any rallies in the state. Both the political parties have requested the commission to review the decision.
IANS adds:
Mr. Shah also said on Saturday that he would urge the Election Commission (EC) to review its order banning him from holding public meetings in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making “hate speeches” during the election campaign.
The EC on Friday banned Mr. Shah and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from holding any public meetings or road shows in the state.
“The EC has asked me to reply by Saturday evening. I will send a request to it to review its decision. I will also explain in what context that speech was given,” Mr. Shah said.
“I respect the EC, that is why I am not holding any rally or programme after getting the notice. I just seek time from the commission so that I can give the answer in what context the statement was given. I have a valid explanation for my comment and I will send it to the commission,” he said.
