BJP asks candidates to exercise caution in speeches

With its Lok Sabha candidate Varun Gandhi's alleged anti-Muslim speech leaving the BJP embarrassed, the party has advised all its nominees for the polls to "practice caution" in their speeches.

With its Lok Sabha candidate Varun Gandhi's alleged anti-Muslim speech leaving the BJP embarrassed, the party has advised all its nominees for the polls to "practice caution" in their speeches.

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"We have advised all our candidates to practise caution and restrain in their speeches," party spokesperson Siddarth Nath Singh said.

Asked if his party would initiate any action against its candidate from Pilibhit for his alleged inflammatory speech, Singh said "that is to be seen but we do not subscribe to such views and this is sure."

Varun had faced criticism from his own party yesterday for the alleged comments, with BJP Vice President Mukthar Abbas Naqvi saying his remarks were a manifestation of his Congress past.

At a recent election meeting in Pilibhit from where he is being fielded, Varun had said "this is not not a 'Hand' (Congress symbol), it is the power of the 'Lotus' (BJP symbol). It will cut the head of ....... Jai Shri Ram."

Continuing in the same vein, the grandson of Indira Gandhi told another meeting "If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand."