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Amid raging controversy over statements by BJP leader Giriraj Singh and VHP leader Pravin Togadia, BJP Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi today said that he disapproved of "petty" statements by those claiming to be BJP's well-wishers as they are deviating the campaign.
"I disapprove any such irresponsible statement and appeal to those making them to kindly refrain from doing so," Modi tweeted.
ALSO READ: Sangh takes communal turn as polls enter crucial phase in UP, Bihar
Modi said that with great happiness, the entire nation is looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party for going to people solely on the issues of good governance and development.
"Petty statements by those claiming to be BJP's well wishers are deviating the campaign from the issues of development and good governance," he wrote without naming the leaders.
On Monday late evening an FIR was lodged against Togadia for trying to create enmity between two communities. The Bhavnagar police is investigating the matter. This action was taken after the Election Commission reviewed the audio-video recordings of Togadia's alleged hate speech where had stated that Muslims should not be allowed to buy property in Hindu areas.ALSO READ: FIR filed against Pravin Togadia for his alleged hate speech
Protesting outside the businessman's house, Togadia allegedly gave the occupant 48 hours to vacate his house, failing which he asked his followers to take forcible possession of his property and fight a legal battle later.
Meanwhile, according to district officials, situation in Bhavnagar was normal and there was no tension between the two communities.
On April 19, Giriraj Singh, a leader of the BJP from Bihar, had said that those who want to stop Narendra Modi (from becoming prime minister) are looking towards Pakistan and they will have no place in India in coming days. This had triggered a major political backlash with political parties accusing the BJP of making it clear that dissent will not be tolerated.
BJP president Rajnath Singh had reprimanded Giriraj Singh for his remarks, but the Bihar politician still stands by his statement. A police case has been filed against him too.
