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BJP today defended Amit Shah's controversial "revenge" remarks in Uttar Pradesh, saying he has captured the "mood of the nation" and was asking the people to vote for party and Narendra Modi.
BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman used the opportunity to drag Congress president Sonia Gandhi into the controversy over her appeal to Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, contending that the attempt to polarise the elections had been initiated by the "so-called secular" party.
"There has been lot of discussion on what Amit Shah has said in a public meeting in Muzaffarnagar. He actually captured the mood of nation," said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.
Shah has reportedly said in a recent election meeting that "This election is about voting out the government that protects and gives compensation to those who killed Jats. It is about badla (revenge) and protecting izzat (honour)."
Sitharaman said "he suggested the people to vote for BJP and Modi. When you support BJP and Modi government will be formed in Delhi and the SP government will fall on its own."
Seeing nothing wrong in Shah's remarks, BJP vice president and muslim face Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "UP government has insulted the people there. It is not a question of Hindus and Muslims. Those who went there for secular tourism, they have insulted the people. Instead of putting balm on the wounds of the victims, they sprinkled salt. Revenge should be taken for this insult."
Seeking to drag the Congress president, Sitharaman said, "Sonia Gandhi also seeking vote on religious grounds. The attempt of polarizing the vote was initiated by the so-called secular parties. We see nothing wrong in Amit Shah's statement."
She said even UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been heard seeking votes on caste base. "He has admitted in Assembly that more than 250 communal violence has been occurred in UP under his regime," she added.BJP faces manifesto mess as younger lot miffed with Joshi
Meanwhile, the Congress party today complained to the Election Commission against Narendra Modi's close aide Amit BJP defends Amit Shah's 'revenge' remark, Cong moves EC seeking his arrest
The party also demanded "stern action" against BJP and its PM candidate Modi, including derecognition of the party, for the alleged violation of mode of conduct.
"BJP, Modi and Amit Shah are trying to replicate the politics of hatred and communal divide like what was done in 2002 in Gujarat," AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.
In its complaint, the Congress quoted a media report and said that Shah has made a "provocative hate speech" in a Muzaffarnagar village "to cause animosity between two communities, where communal violence had taken place recently and a large number of innocent persons were brutally killed."
The party said that "the memory of the ghastly and deplorable incident is still vivid in the minds of the people."
Citing the contents of his reported speech, the Congress said, "the statements as reported are with a calculated design to create communal hatred and tension between the two communities for seeking votes in the coming elections."
"This is also an appeal in the name of the caste and community and provokes communal feelings for the purpose of securing votes," it said.
The party said Amit Shah has committed "an offence u/s 125 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951 and it calls for immediate registration of FIR and his arrest along with other BJP workers for their common intention to commit this offence."
"In addition, since it is also a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, immediate action may also be taken against BJP, Amit Shah and Narendra Modi for violation of the code," Congress said.
"It appears that they are incorrigible and a stern action including de-recognition of the political party would be most appropriate in the given circumstance. It is therefore requested accordingly," the party said in the complaint.
Surjewala said, "We will make a demand to the state government and election commission that a criminal is lodged against Amit Shah and Muzaffarnagar riots accused MLA Suresh Rana and they should be prevented from campaigning in any part of the country. There should be a complete ban (on them).
