NEW DELHI: Treming BJP lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj’s reply not satisfactory, the Election
Commission on Thursday ‘censured’ him for his controversial remark indirectly blaming Muslims for population growth. The poll panel advised the saffron leader to be more careful while making statements during the election time and warned that otherwise it would take stern action.
"Considered your reply and has not found it satisfactory because in the Commission's considered view, supported by observations of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Civil Appeal No 37 of 1992 Abhiram Singh vs C. D. Commotion, any statement to the effect of promoting enmity between different classes of society in connection with election on the grounds of religion made during electioneering or otherwise is violative of the MCC," said the EC. "Now, therefore, the Election Commission hereby, Censures you for violating the aforesaid provisions of MCC.... expects that you, being a reputed political leader, shall be more circumspect in your public utterances during election time," said the EC.
Issuing a warning, the EC added, "You may also take note that in case of any violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in future, the Commission shall take stern actions against you, using all powers available to it."
The EC observed that his remarks “have (the) effect of promoting enmity between classes of society...” and prima facie violates the Model Code of Conduct which came into force on January 4 following the announcement of the Assembly polls.
At a 'sant sammelan' in Meerut last week, Sakshi Maharaj had said there are problems in the country because of population growth. "Hindus are not responsible for that. Those responsible are the ones who talk of four wives and 40 children."
The saffron leadership had distanced itself from the remarks saying neither the party nor the Centre supported Sakshi's view.