The Election Commission has censured BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for his alleged comments blaming the Muslim community for the population explosion in the country.
During a religious congregation in Meerut last week, Maharaj reportedly said: “The country is facing a number of issues because of population growth. The Hindus aren't responsible for that. Those responsible are the ones who speak of four wives and 40 kids”.
When the Election Commission issued a notice to the Unnao MP in this regard, he responded with: “I was speaking at a programme organised for ‘saints’. It was not a political rally. I didn’t take any community’s name”.
The poll watchdog said it did not find the MP’s reply satisfactory, “because in the Commission’s considered view, supported by observations of the Supreme Court, any statement to the effect of promoting enmity between different classes of society in connection with election on the grounds of religion made during electioneering or otherwise is violative of Model Code of Conduct”.
The MCC came into force on 4 January when the Commission announced the schedule for Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa.
Now, therefore, the Election Commission hereby, censures you for violating... MCC and Supreme Court decision... and expects that you, being a reputed political leader/MP, shall be more circumspect in your public utterances during election time.EC Order
“You may also take a note that in case of any violation of MCC in future, the Commission shall take stern actions against you, using all powers available to it,” the order said.
Swamy Welcomes EC Decision
Though the BJP had distanced itself from his remarks, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy lauded the EC’s decision to censure Sakshi Maharaj.
“I am happy that the Election Commission, seeing the mood and the media build-up, has given him a rap on the knuckles, and that is good enough,” Swamy said.
‘A Breed of Politicians Nurtured on Divisive Politics’
The Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on the MP, alleging that he was among a breed of politicians who were nurtured on divisive politics.
“I have fought Sakshi Maharaj on two occasions. I know what his politics is. I know what his personality is all about. This is a breed and brand of politicians who have been nurtured on divisive politics, on politics of the other, on politics of hate, politics of ridicule and they have prospered. They have come so far that they are now part of a government,” said Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid .
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)