Mishra apologetic as EC cracks whip on unruly comments

Resmi Sivaram

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kapil Mishra sounded apologetic on Friday as he offered an explanation to the Election Commission (EC) about comments he had made on Thursday in which he said the Feb.8 state assembly elections in Delhi is an “India versus Pakistan contest.” The EC on Friday asked Twitter to remove the controversial tweet and asked Mishra to explain his comments or face action.

Mishra, who has been fielded by the BJP from the Model Town constituency, replied to a showcause notice explaining that his comment was of a general nature.

Mishra had referred to Shaheen Bagh, one of the most prominent sites of the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as “an entry point for Pakistan.” Hundreds of women, mostly Muslims, had been sitting on the highway in Shaheen Bagh for well over a month in a protest against the CAA.

Mishra told the EC that his comments had been taken out of context.

“I have only given my general opinion as many people are facing lot of problem due to the closure of road. Since Shaheen Bagh does not fall in my constituency (Model Town) from where I am contesting, therefore it should not be believed in the context of Delhi election or violation of model code of conduct.” EC officials said they acted after the office of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer advised it to remove the tweet posted by Mishra on Thursday.

Mishra earlier had refused to apologise for the remarks he made in his tweet. “I received a notice from Election Commission last night, I’ll give my reply today. I don’t think I said anything wrong. Speaking truth is not a crime in this country. I spoke the truth. I stand by my statement,” he said on Friday morning before shooting off his explanation.

“Pakistan is entering through Shaheen Bagh and mini-Pakistans are being created in Delhi...Shaheen Bagh, Chand Bagh, Inderlok. The law is not followed here and Pakistani rioters are occupying the roads,” Mishra had tweeted in Hindi.

The tweet was in response to Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Patparganj Assembly seat Manish Sisodia’s comment that he stands with the people of Shaheen Bagh.

The election Model Code of Conduct stipulates that “No party or candidate shall include in any activity, which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different caste and communities, religious or linguistic.” Section 123 (3A) of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 defines the corrupt practice as under the promotion of, or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of caste, religion, race, community or language by a candidate or his agent or any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate.

The show-cause notice said: “Therefore, your act is deemed to be a violation of the aforesaid provision of the model code of conduct and the Representation Act and the same is punishable under provisions of law.

“Hence, you are requested to explain as to why action under the provisions of law should not be initiated against you.” His reply should reach to the poll panel officer by 12.30pm on Friday, the EC said.

If he fails to give his reply or his reply is found unsatisfactory, action against Mishra will be taken without any further notice.

In its criticism of opposition parties over their protest against the citizenship law, the BJP has been accusing them of speaking “Pakistan’s language.” The BJP is making a desperate bid to further its gains from the humble three seats it won in the 70-strong legislature.

The BJP held around 250 rallies in Delhi on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi restricted himself to just two rallies.