Taking strong cognizance against Congress Leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, The Election Commission of India on Monday barred Punjab Minister from Campaigning for next 72 hours starting from April 23, 10 am. The Poll Commission said that the Congress Leader cannot hold any public meeting, road show, public rally & interviews for violating the model code of conduct.
Earlier the Poll Body has issued a notice to the Punjab Minister and directed to file a response for making religious sensitive comments while addressing a poll rally in Bihar’s Kathihar District.
The Poll body in the notice gave the reference of the Top Court that does not allow the use of caste and religion to be used in the poll campaign. The Poll Body in the notice further stated that it is of the opinion that the prima facie the Leader have violated the model code of conduct.
Punjab Minister Sidhu while addressing a rally on April 16 asked Muslim voters to avoid division of votes and should refrain from voting to Asaduddin Owaisi’s party AIMIM.
Navjot Singh Sidhu reportedly said, ‘I come here to give you a warning my Muslim brothers, They (BJP) want to divide your votes by bringing Owaisi party here. Don’t allow division of votes, if you people stay united you will rout out Modi’
He further asked to vote for Congress Candidate and ‘don’t divide your vote’, he added.
#WATCH Bihar:N Sidhu says in Katihar 'Main aapko chetavni dene aya hun Muslim bhaiyon,ye baant rahe hain apko,ye yahan Owaisi jaise logon ko la ke,ek nai party khadi kar aap logon ka vote baant ke jitna chahte hain.Agar tum log ikathe hue,ekjut hoke vote dala to Modi sulat jaega' pic.twitter.com/PQlIjm4oW2
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019
Earlier, the poll Commission had issued similar orders for UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and BSP Supremo Mayawati for their religious sensitive comments. EC barred Uttar Pradesh CM for 72 hours for making ‘Ali and Bajrangbali remark while BSP supremo was barred for 48 hours for asking votes on the name of religion in UP’s Deoband.
While Union Minister Maneka Gandhi was also faced similar ban for 48 hours for making religious sensitive comments in a poll rally.
Election Commission had on March 10 declared schedule for General Elections 2019. General Elections have already begun and would spread on Seven Phases starting from April 11 to May 19.
Counting of Votes and Results for the mega Battle of ballots will be announced on May 23 four days after the 7th phase of voting.
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