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Divided EC united in strong reply to Varun's speech

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Posted: Mar 19, 2009 at 1644 hrs IST
Varun gandhi

New Delhi A day after a criminal case was filed against him for allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech with communal overtones, Varun Gandhi, BJP candidate from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, was unapologetic about his remarks but claimed that “one of the CDs in circulation was doctored”. The Election Commission, however, said his remarks amounted to violation of the Model Code of Conduct and slapped notices on him and the BJP, seeking explanation by Friday.

The EC, locked in an unprecedented spat between Chief Election Commissioner

N Gopalaswami and his colleague and successor Navin Chawla which saw almost all decisions in the past year being bitterly contested within and eventually being settled by a majority view, was unanimous in its response to Varun’s alleged remarks: “The Commission is of the opinion that the above action on your part amounts to violation of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.”

The poll panel ordered video tracking of all his visits, speeches and rallies in Uttar Pradesh while it suspended the Additional District Magistrate and SP, Pilibhit, and transferred the DM and SP to non-election posts.

Under all-round attack, even the BJP distanced itself, disapproving his alleged remarks and not letting him hold a press conference at the party office. Party president Rajnath Singh said: “The BJP cannot ever associate itself with these kinds of statements... but Varun says the CD is doctored” while spokesperson Ravi Shankar said “BJP disapproves the contents of the speech and the comments attributed to Varun.”

Claiming there was a “big political conspiracy” to malign him, Varun said: “I am proud of my faith and not apologetic about it. I am a Gandhi, a Hindu and an Indian in equal measure... I stand by what I have said and what I have not said, I will strongly refute... I was in an area where Hindus were being targeted. I, therefore, spoke in favour of the community. It’s a sad day in Indian politics when anyone who speaks for Hindus is branded communal... Those (in the second CD) are not my words and that is not my voice.”

“I was speaking for the local community who had been persecuted, where three girls had been raped. I was speaking to provide the poor hope and strength. It’s silly to assume that I was speaking against any particular community. I am not a hate monger, the CDs have been doctored,” he said.

Sources in the EC said that members were keen to take the strongest possible action and three FIRs, at three different places, were being lodged as three speeches were allegedly made by Varun.

The sections under which the EC is proceeding for criminal charges to be pressed include non-bailable clauses in the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

Section 153 (A): promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony

Section 295 (A): deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs

Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA): promoting enmity between classes in connection with election.

The offences, under the IPC and the RPA, could entail imprisonment up to three years, and are non-bailable, if the charges are proved.

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congressi rai ka pahad by Raina PN on 22 Mar 2009

EC has lost its dignity by acting on Congress vhims infact congress is seeing its mahakall now in the shape of Varun most communal party in this country is congress which supported seccessinists in Kashmir with muftis the then congress president who got 35 temples destroyed in Anantnag in 1986 and is now saying to change the name to islambad who ousteg pandits from kashmir CONGRESS togain power again from Gulshah where were these humanrightists psedo secularists...... congress thinks that calling itself secular it has done a great favour to this country eh living in fools paradise. whokileedlacs of sikhs in Delhi in 1986 and attacked Harminder sahib my dears it is congress its misdeeds are countless our paid media is totally responsible for spreading hatered among masses by making hill of a mole

Panic indeed! by Banasri on 22 Mar 2009

Yes, it is yet another of those hyperactive roles played by the media in our country, followed by the knee-jerk reaction of EC. Did we find them to be so proactive to the misdeeds, and frivolous utterances delivered by our umpteen 'netas', many of whom have distinguished themselves not only by delivering provocative speeches, but also by holding criminal records, ala Laluji/Munnabhai/ etc., etc.? Are we not seasoned enough to get so violently shaken by one little statement of a first-time candidate, when seasoned parliamentarians have already shocked us to numbness, in and out of the parliament sessions (nowadays broadcast 'live' in the TV)?

varun by ds rao on 19 Mar 2009

the charges framed on varun reflecting the over enthusiasm of election commission.how EC can believe blindly congress compliant without any proper enq.the speech was given 15 days back .what is doing congress party for the last 15 days with the cd .they must explain

Criminal by joel on 19 Mar 2009

we can flie a case against tamilnadu CM for his anti hindu in front of minority leaders telling hindu means THIEF and asking about God RAMAS qualification to pleaset minorities to get thier votes

Varun's speech by MRV on 19 Mar 2009

It is amazing that we elect murderers to office and we have problem with a speech. Could it be because it was seen as anti-Muslim? Yet we hear similar speeches by Muslim leaders and no one does anything about it. We hear dumb Ministers making insane remarks about arrested criminals being innocent but no one takes action! It is time sanity prevailed in India. Stop voting unpatriotic, greedy, corrupt politicians to power!! Enough with the political dynasties!! These people are incompetent! We need people who have struggled to rise up to represent the ordinary Indian! We need both Hindus and Muslims to be represented in our government!

OBSERVE VARUN'S ACTION by parin on 19 Mar 2009

As varun says the words being put in his mouth.My observation suggests that if he is being influenced than it is OMAR ABDULLAH who influenced VARUN as seems from ACTIONS

charges against varun by ajay on 19 Mar 2009

if we go by the charges being applied on Varun, almost 75% of the candidates need to be charged under these laws. Why Election commission is sleeping on the others? Agreed such language should not be used, but why alone varun gandhi, wht abt the other politicians? How abt the language of the other politicians of UP. how abt Tamilnadu? when will EC wake up for them?

Media trial of varun by N.K.Jha on 19 Mar 2009

Evidently Varun is a victim of political conspiracy.No body in his right senses-- that too a person with such a distinguihed political lineage -can make, in isolation, such an inflammatory statement as attributed to him.Muslims and non-Muslims or Hindus live in peace in our big country.Most of us have mutual respect for individual's sentiments. We don't have to learn humanism from the politicians in UPA or NDA or in the Media.The Election Commission should hopefully enquire into the matter dispassionately and impartially. If inadvertently ,or in the heat of moment, feelings have been hurt, Shri Varun should tender an unqualified apology.

varun speech by dinesh on 19 Mar 2009

What varun said reflects the culture of BJP, what happen to BJP hindutav and ram mandir,when they came to power.there ultimate aim is to divide the country and take power.why BJP don;t take clear stand on his statment.

Varun's speech by N N Subramanian on 19 Mar 2009

Varun has stated openly what he thinks (others dare to do openly) as hindus are for the six decades are refugees in their own land. Congress and other parties always appease minorities for their 20% vote bank, they have forgotten about the 80% hindus, as these pseudo-secularists think that hindus will never unite. If that happens then these politicians will sing the same song as Varun said. Day in and day out, they have no other thought other than minorities but no time to think about the majority. There is no other country on earth which takes care of the minorities for the last six decades and they share every right as citizen of India like the majority hindus enjoy. What is that they want?

REQUIRE YOUR ANSWER by R Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Who has forgotten about the 80% Hindus ? Are Dalits not Hindus and they enjoy reservation and they too are pampered. Are the backward castes not Hindus, they too enjoy reservation and are pampered. So, what do you mean by psuedo-secularists sidelining 80% Hindus ? Can you please elaborate on that to the convenience of readers like us

Jai Ho by Obaid on 19 Mar 2009

Gentleman Indian is Ghandhi land and our democratic structure is exist because of secular India if the hidden agenda of BJP and Sang Parivar spared , for hate politics then we can’t fight terrorism actually the root cause of terrorism is hate politics. If the people like varun is thing he can be fame and defeat Rahul popularity possibly he can be success communal leader but innocent people of India has to pay heavy price for Varun’s Blood bath, surprisingly more Kasab type people will born and we will be the victim of hate politics from both side, Jai Ho

Varun Uwach by as on 19 Mar 2009

The EC and more particulary Media are to blame for this kind of situation prevailing in India for quite a long time. Varun remarks, no doubt is unfortunate if it is true. But what about other similar cases when politicians' actions are targeted to a particular group or gruops. for example, during last assembly election in Bihar, Paswan openly said to make a muslim CM of that state. Ec or media kept mum. Almost all Parties keep promises in their manifesto to diffrent groups like Sc/ST/ Muslims/ OBC etc instead of treating all as Indian. Are these not inflammatory and detrimental to society. Politicians mushroomed in Indian politics these days like Yadavs, Mayawatis, Paswans, Antulays and several decisions of congress party (sachchar committee) during last five years are manifestation of this adopted by them to get votes at the expence of nation and social harmony. But I know EC and Media play the song the way it is liked by Congress and Pseudo-seclarist.

VOTE BANK POLITICS by R Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Regarding Paswan's call for a Muslim CM, ofcourse it is communal. However, the difference between the Varun's case and Paswan is that of violence. Varun is openly exhorting people to indulge in violence in the name of religion whereas Paswan just wants a Muslim as CM which is not preaching violence against any community and a way of Indian politics as it translates. In the same vien what will you say about the promise made by the BJP in Rajasthan to Gujjars of reservation with the motive of garnering their votes ? Isn't that communal too ?? Why you guys are always selective and attribute vote bank politics only to anti-BJP political forces ? The reality is vote bank politics is unavoidable in a fragmented polity like ours. But, what should be differentiated is hate speeches.

vote bank politics by d sudhakara rao on 19 Mar 2009

you are openly speaking a lie that varun used religion for violence.even though the fake cd itself does not contain any word rgarding any religion.pl dont mislead

Vote bank by as on 19 Mar 2009

Nice to hear you on my posting. I am looking at the malaise of indian politics in totality. The different opinions expressed by many of us are indicative of the deep division created amonst us by these politicians successfully. These nefarious design can only be tamed by unbias action of constitutional institutions and unbiased media. Sadly, we are lacking both. These days, even a child in India can tell you the caste-wise pattern of a constituency based on newspaper reports. A holistic approach to tackle it regardless of his/her affiliation can only bring in desired changes in Indian politics. Selective action only fuel the fire.

I AGREE by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Thank you for your post. I agree with your view. The system as it exists today is extremely flawed and desperate measures are required to rectify it. However, it is the politicians who are expected to bell the cat. But the nagging question is will they considering their self-interest lies in breeding in the present system quite comfortable to them.

WOULD EC ACT AGAINST INDIAN MUSLIM LEAGUE TOO??? by AK Singh on 19 Mar 2009

Will the "united and strong" Election Commission also ban the "Indian Union MUSLIM League" for using "religious name" to garner Vote- it is the only political party which uses religious directly??? Will all the secular Blogers support it??? Would the EC also initiate "criminal case" against the politicians of Mizoram for declaring that "Mizoram is for Christians" and against Church for openly interfering in the recent Mizoram State elections which has been reported extensively in Media

Labelling communal by Shukoor on 20 Mar 2009

If you say a party becomes communal just because of its name of a religion, then all people who have their religious names should be branded as communal.It is the policy or political views of party that makes it communal or liberal...as long as IUML stands for the unity of India unlike BJP which mugs and begs for votes in the name of Hindutva should be called 'secular'.Brother check out the history of IUML and BJP.Different versions indeed!

WOULD EC ACT AGAINST INDIAN MUSLIM LEAGUE TOO??? by Suhail Farooq on 19 Mar 2009

My dear Frnd , then 1st of all BJP should be charged with Criminal Case as they are the lead runners in seeking vots on the basis of Religion

Gen X - Holding Reins by Sorabhb on 19 Mar 2009

For the past few days..whatever is going on, so much hue and cry is being raised over Varun's speech...Can anyone answer...When DM of Siwan was attacked by Shabuddin...any one Questioned? Attack was not less then a militants attack with (Grenaded

HA, WHAT A SHOW by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

It is hilarious to see the BJP disowning the speech of Varun. Here is a Party with a Leader like Advani who did not care for the future of this Country and started the hateful Rath Yatra which culminated in the destruction of Babri Masjid. The Country knows the heavy price it paid for this venture in the form of communal riots, heightened terror activities and loss of face in the International arena. Here is a Party and a man named Advani who colluding with the then CM Kalyan Singh lied to the Supreme Court. Here is a Party and a man who did not think shameful when his UP Ministry had 107 Ministers on Board and the Speaker entertaining each and every defector as if there is no tomorrow thereby giving a death blow to the defection laws of the land. Here is a Leader who defended his MPs caught in the cash for query scam and called them innocent. After all this, his Party now wants everyone to believe that it has turned saintly. May be fools will buy that argument.

Varun Gandi by MOHANDADDIKAR on 19 Mar 2009

Inspite of whatever action is taken by the EC or the adverse comments by congress and pseudo-secularists of the country about the recent public speech by Varun Gandi, it cannot be denied that his framk views trley trely reflect the inner unspoken feelings of majority of Hndus. BJP has become impotent and only young leader like varun Gandi can energise and bring back the party to its original course.

Secularism and pseudo-secularism by Ramdas Naik on 19 Mar 2009

I think it is time you and people like you define what exactly you mean by secularism and pseudo secularism ? To me it looks like Muslim and Christian bashing is secularism and fairness to all religions is pseudo secularism. But please do spell it out. Millions of readers would really want to know

Varun is right. by Vikram on 19 Mar 2009

Varun is right for what he said. He did not point to one community. Go ahead VARUN.

Cheap Publicity by Mathew on 19 Mar 2009

He was a relatively unknown person in India and abroad. He is playing with blood for cheap publicity. We all Know what his father Sanjay was during Emergency. Like father.. Like Son.

Are we a democracy? why does the majority have no freedom of speech by Sanjay on 19 Mar 2009

It is okay for the minority to wave in Kashmir, UP almost everywhere the Pakistani flag.It is okay to genocide Hindus, but as the saying goes sticks and stones may break my bone but words will never hurt me.......But freedom of speech is only for minority who have the right to wave pakistani flag, genocide Hindus, and say a country founded on partition on the fact that Hindus and Muslims cannot live together should accept biased opinions of election commission on election that are politically biased and pseudo-secular. Why does the EC have something against Gandhi. Is it because he tells the truth? Sadly EC has no opinion about criminals they do nothing about, or even a fair election, but act as undesirable elements acting to allow communal beliefs, and extreme thought that muslims have more right in a country where this land was given to Hindus, and what Muslims have done to Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, why should we spare them, and not tell the truth what they are.

Freedom to hate ? by Ramdas Naik on 19 Mar 2009

Time after time the Muslims in India have shown their patriotism and you ignore it ?The days of waving pak flags are over. Pak is a failed state and people like you will make India a failed state with your hate mongering.

Ha Ha Ha by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Typical Sanghi mentality without looking into a serious issue on hand. Man, Varun is creating law and order problems inciting hatred and asking his followers to cut the head and hand of a particular community and here you are defending it. Shameless. Anyway let me admire you for saying this openly and not being cowardly like your dear Party the BJP.

Same for Kashmiri Pandits? by PJ on 19 Mar 2009

Mr Sundar,If you hold the same view against Kasmiri seperatists giving Hate speeches then it is fine , else you are a big Hypocrite

Yes I hold the same view by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Yes I hold the same view for Kashmiri Seperatists hate speeches too. Why you yourself infer that I hold a grief for them just because I criticize the Hindutvawadis who are bent on destroying the peace fabric of this Country for their petty electoral gains.

Congi agent Sundar by Prem on 19 Mar 2009

If BJP criticises Varun then they are cowards. If they support him they are communal. If Sonia Gandhi allows full conversion it is Secularism. Majority can go do dogs. Our country will revolt one day so that people like K Sundar will realise.

TRUTH IS BITTER by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Yes, I absolutely maintain the BJP

Typical hypocrite by Atindra Shukla on 19 Mar 2009

What is Sanghi mentality there? If Antulay says he doubts the death of police officers its not law and order problem, if Amarsingh says Batla house encounter was fake and M.C. Sharma was a useless constable hence shot dead by his own delhi police is highly respectable statement. Why just because Hindus dont make hue and cry about the statements targetted at them or demeaning them? BTW you seem a CD doctor because the clip being shown in media doesnt show Varun talking about cutting heads. This proves hypocrisy of people like you.

MIXING UP by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

Here you are mixing up issues. What Antulay said is not a law and order problem issue. He just expressed his apprehensions about the death of Karkare. Regarding Amar Singh's expression also, you can term it as his version of the incident, but not a law and order issue. From what I saw in the TV, Varun clearly gives a clarion call to cut the head and hands. I do not know from where you get your information. Further keep in mind that if the issue is not serious, the EC would not have served a notice in the first place. May be as a Sanghi you would argue that it is Chawla's hand, but please bear in mind that till April 20, it is Gopalswami who is known for his proximity to BJP who is heading the EC.

messing up by Suresh iyer on 20 Mar 2009

Sunder,if anyone opposes the action of the law enforcement authority in public it amounts to a law and order problem.What Antulay did emboldened Pakistan and weakened India's stand.What Amar singh said emboldened the muslims of Azamgarh to protest against the govt.If these are not law and order issues,you are blinded by your Khangress jingoism.

Are you a congress bootlicker by Aji on 20 Mar 2009

K.Sundar - If You are a hindu I welcome you to Malappuram- Kerala district. It's a mini pakistan today due to pseudo secular idiots like you. Are you on congress pay roll my friend

Barun Gandhi's recent remarks by Asoke Ghose on 19 Mar 2009

It is a bit painful to note the panic reaction to Barun Gandhi's recent remarks made during an election rally. Even assuming that the CD was not doctored, one need to carefully consider the context in which Mr. Gandhi made these remarks. Since he did not single out any particular community, it is quite possible that he was referring to external forces that were trying to hurt a large cross section of people living in India (also known as "Hindustan" unfortunately). Of course, he should not have used the term "Hindu" as it has almost become fashionable now a days to delete this five lettered word from our dictionary or vocabulary.

Panic indeed! by Banasri on 22 Mar 2009

Yes, it is yet another of those hyperactive roles played by the media in our country, followed by the knee-jerk reaction of EC. Did we find them to be so proactive to the misdeeds, and frivolous utterances delivered by our umpteen 'netas', many of whom have distinguished themselves not only by delivering provocative speeches, but also by holding criminal records, ala Laluji/Munnabhai/ etc., etc.? Are we not seasoned enough to get so violently shaken by one little statement of a first-time candidate, when seasoned parliamentarians have already shocked us to numbness, in and out of the parliament sessions (nowadays broadcast 'live' in the TV)?

DYNASTY POLITICS by K Sundar on 19 Mar 2009

The Sangh Parivar's logic is amusing as always. While it hates the dynastic policies of the Congress, it does not feel shy to admit Maneka and her son Varun in its ranks just because they belong to the Nehru family. It does not feel shy to appoint Vasundha Raje who is the daughter of the Scion Vijayaraje scindia as CM of Rajasthan. It does not feel shy to give tickets to the sons of the CMs of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, former CM of Rajasthan, former External Affairs Minster and Finance Minister etc. Strangely in BJP's or the Sangh's dictionary all these actions do not constitute dynastic politics. It is only when their opponents indugle in such actions they have the readymade right to criticize them. What is amazing is that the brainless Sangh followers buy this logic of the Sangh without rhyme or reason as usual.

Divided EC united in strong reply to Varun's speech by syed on 19 Mar 2009

It is unfortunate that we have to cheer when the EC which is supposed to be manned with some of teh fines brains of the country with teh best interaction at the highest echelons of government when they do a simple act like agreeing unanimoulsy on issue which is blaring in this wrongness. this is what we have been reduced as citizens of thsi country. anyway tks to the EC for their decency in this atleast.

Varun by John on 19 Mar 2009

Varun has wonderful hair style.

Divided EC united in strong reply to Varun's speech by syed on 19 Mar 2009

Varun Gandhi is stupid enough to mouth such hatred and then does not ven have the decency to realise his mistake and apologise. how different fm Sonia who had teh decency to give the primeministership even though she cud hv been the PM if she so wished. Most of our senior leaders despite the decent trcak record would hv jumped to become teh PM at whatever cost to the unity of teh country and their dignity when given a chance like that. Varun even now it is not too late. what u said is not acceptabel even to the BJP. if u apologise u will minimse teh damage. as for teh indian people we are better oiff without the types of Varun. look at our neighbour where thsi type of attitude has landed them. they are not even worth salvaging now.

Viru by jp on 19 Mar 2009

VARUN AND MODI FOR INDIA IS WHAT VIRU AND DHONI FOR CRICKET INDIA. Indian cricket is conquering every team. It will be same if Varun and Modi will come in Center India will start developing very fast and can beat China and would be able to catch up USA in the same way Viru and Dhoni could catch up South Africa and Australia.

Mutalik forgotten ! ? by Ramdas naik on 19 Mar 2009

You forgot Mutalik. You also require a strong moral person to lead the country !

We are already the best! by Raj on 19 Mar 2009

Yes, but dodn't u know that we have already beaten US. We will be defeating China in 20 years. We are the best in reproduction!

Good one by PJ on 19 Mar 2009

Good one :)

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