BJP issues public condemnation of controversial CD

In accordance with the Election Commission (EC) order, the BJP on Friday issued a public condemnation of a communal CD that was released by its state unit during the UP Assembly election campaign.

However, the party said it reserved its right to challenge the jurisdiction of the three-member bench of the EC to pass such an order when the BJP had questioned its quorum due to the participation of election commissioner Navin Chawla.

In a statement issued by it, the BJP also said that its condemnation of the CD did not mean it was giving up its right to challenge any derecognition order passed by a bench that includes Chawla.

Referring to the May 8 EC order to come out with an unambiguous declaration to condemn the CD, it said "The party has no hesitation in doing so.

In consonance with the stand that the party had suo motu taken before notice was issued by the Election Commission ..., the party categorically declares that it does not approve of the contents of the said CD. It strongly condemns the same.”