BJP trapped in CD controversy

The BJP appears to be in a tight spot over the Election Commission's order that the party must condemn the contents of an anti-Muslim CD, which had appeared during elections in Uttar Pradesh, to prove its innocence in the matter.

Although BJP spokesperson Vijay Kumar Malhotra today claimed that the party had nothing more to explain as it had already disowned the controversial CD, Election Commission sources said the BJP could ill-afford to ignore the order for its legal ramifications.

Highly placed EC sources told Business Standard that the "order was like a mild rap on the knuckles (of the BJP) for BJP's obvious hand in the CD. But the next time they indulge in such a covert propaganda, it would be easier for the Commission to deal with them harshly."

The Election Commission has kept in abeyance the final order on the petition seeking withdrawal of BJP's symbol. "This could be invoked in future," sources say.

The Commission, it seems, had a difficult task while dealing with the CD controversy. Legally speaking, the Commission had powers to withdraw the party's symbol, which, however, was neither appropriate nor proportionate to the "crime committed".

BJP insiders say the party is seriously considering a decent way out of the stand off with the Election Commission on the CD row.

Talking to reporters in Bhopal today, BJP President Rajnath Singh said his party would make its stand on the issue known in two to three days.

Talking to PTI, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami refrained from making any comments on the row.

On the other hand, the CPI(M) today said if the BJP did not follow the EC directive, legal measures should be taken against the party.