New Delhi: Controversial BJP MP from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, was reprimanded by the Election Commission for violating the model code of conduct. They also asked him to be careful in future.
The EC had issued a show cause notice to the BJP MP on September 09 for violating the model code of conduct by making allegedly inflammatory remarks while campaigning for Assembly bypolls in Noida.
Taking cognisance of Adityanath's reported remarks, EC had said that it was of the opinion that "prima facie" he had "violated" provisions of the model code of conduct.
The poll panel had asked him to respond by evening of September 10 as to why action should not be taken against him.
In its show cause notice, EC had reproduced four reported remarks of Adityanath made on Sunday which it said were violative of the model code.
According to EC, the Gorakhpur MP, often accused of making hate speeches by the Opposition, had said mikes from a temple were removed in Moradabad but were allowed in mosques and those who protested were sent to jail.
The poll watchdog had also said Adityanath had reportedly said that an India without Ram cannot be imagined.
It had added that Adityanath had also said those who trouble Hindus with riots will have to pay dearly.
He, according to EC's notice, had sought votes for the BJP candidate in the name of Lord Ram.
EC had reminded the Gorakhpur MP of the various provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the model code of conduct which prohibits people from indulging in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities.
It had also said making an appeal to vote on the ground of religion is a corrupt practice under Section 123(3) of the Representation of People Act.
Meanwhile, Adityanath had yesterday defied a ban on his election meeting in Lucknow by addressing it and accused the Samajwadi Party government of following a communal agenda.
Claiming that he was not allowed to hold meetings in Thakurdwara, Mainpuri and Nighasan where Assembly by-elections are being held, Adityanath addressed one of them using his mobile phone.
Later in the state capital, he defied police which had withdrawn permission to him to address an election meeting at Indira Nagar locality by appearing on the stage.
Adityanath accused the district administration of not allowing him at the behest of the Uttar Pradesh government.
"I had to hold meetings at Thakurdwara, Mainpuri and Nighasan but the district administration did not allow me to do so. The district administration had withdrawn permission on directions of the government in an illegal way," he alleged.
He was addressing an election meeting at Munshipulia area in Indira Nagar locality in favour of BJP candidate Gopalji Tondon, who is contesting from Lucknow East seat vacated by BJP leader Kalraj Mishra.
Alleging that he was given notices as he was raising voice against "communal agenda" of the state government, Adityanath said in UP over 450 riots had taken place and that was enough to prove the communal agenda of the state government.
Adityanath also said though these by-elections would not affect the state or the central government, it was certain that BJP's victory would start the countdown of the SP government.
When asked about Adityanath holding the meeting without permission of the administration, Senior Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar had said the matter would be looked into and FIR would be lodged in it.
Polling will take place on September 13 in Noida and other Assembly constituencies of UP where bypolls are taking place.
With PTI inputs
