The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday barred Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s West Bengal unit chief Dilip Ghosh from campaigning for 24 hours, holding him guilty of the violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
According to a notice by the ECI, Ghosh will be banned from campaigning till 7pm on April 16.
The order said the Commission “sternly warns” Ghosh and advises him to desist from using such statements while making public utterances during the period when the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
The Commission had issued a notice to Ghosh for his alleged remarks after four people were killed when central forces opened fire during polling at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district.
BJP leader said:
“Where did so many naughty boys come from? Those naughty boys were shot at yesterday in Shitalkuchi. These naughty boys will not be there in Bengal.
“This is just the beginning. Those who thought that the central forces’ rifles were meant to be just for a show have well understood now the power of cartridges….There will be Shitalkuchi in several places. So be careful”.
He also reportedly said that “this will be carried on throughout Bengal. Those who will take the law in their own hands will be given a befitting answer.”
EC in it’s notice:
The election commission in its notice to Ghosh on Tuesday had stated that Ghosh had violated various clauses of the Model Code of Conduct and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Indian Penal Code and made statements that are provocative and can seriously incite the emotions.
“This could lead to a breakdown of law and order thereby adversely affecting the election process”, EC’s notice said.
Earlier this week, the EC had also imposed a ban on BJP leader Rahul Sinha over his remarks on Sitalkuchi violence.
