EC serves notice on BJP candidate Kapil Mishra…

New Delhi, Jan 24 (HS): The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Kapil Mishra, BJP’s Model Town candidate, over his remark that the coming Delhi elections will be a contest between India and Pakistan.

Kapil Mishra on Thursday said through a series of tweets, “Pakistan has made its entry in Shaheen Bagh. Many mini Pakistanis are being formed in Delhi.”

His remarks came in reference to those who have been opposing the Citizenship Amendment bill (CAA) in the Shaheen Bagh area of South Delhi causing lots of inconvenience to the local people.

He also tweeted, “Indian law is not being followed in Shaheen Bagh, Chandbagh, Indralok. Pakistani rioters have taken over Delhi’s roads.”The Returning Officer, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct and under Representation of People Act, 1951, has asked Mishra to reply to the notice explaining why no action should be taken against him.

The election commission in its model code of conduct says, “No party or candidate shall include in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.”

The notice also said, “In case you failed to give the reply or your reply is unsatisfactory, action against you will be taken without any further notice to you.”

Reacting to the notice, Mishra said that he has not said anything wrong and objectionable in it. “I don’t think that I have said anything wrong. Speaking truth is not a crime in this country. I spoke the truth. I stand by my statement.” said Mishra to a section of media.

Supporting his statements made on Thursday, Mishra further said, “Roads are encroached upon in Shaheen Bagh, children aren’t being allowed to go to schools, people are unable to go to their respective offices, hospitals, etc. It’s very shameful the way in which Delhi Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said that he stands with Shaheen Bagh protesters which means that this is a political movement.”