Onus on Varun to prove video doctored: Election Commission

Putting the onus on Varun Gandhi, Election Commission says it is for the BJP Lok Sabha candidate to prove that the video showing him making a communally charged speech is doctored.

Putting the onus on Varun Gandhi, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy on Thursday said that it was for the BJP Lok Sabha candidate to prove that the video showing him making anti-Muslim comments was tampered with.

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"We have seen the video. The video was not taken by us. He has said that the tape is doctored. It is for him to prove this," Gopalaswamy told reporters at the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata.

On what action was being contemplated against Varun, he said, "We have already taken action."

Asked whether Varun, who is to contest from Pilhibit in Uttar Pradesh would be allowed to do so, Gopalaswamy said, "At the moment the question does not arise, we will look into it when nomination starts."

To a query whether action would be taken against the BJP, the CEC said the commission would decide on it after the party filed its reply to the notice.

He also denied reports of differences in the commission on this issue saying, 'they are absolutely wrong'.

The full bench of the Election Commission, here to review poll preparedness in West Bengal, was present at the press briefing.