BJP tells EC it was not involved in Lucknow function

BJP has sought to wash its hands off the sari distribution function that led to stampede killing 22 women.

BJP on Thursday sought to wash its hands off the sari distribution function at Lucknow that led to a stampede in which 22 women were killed in the Prime Minister's constituency telling the Election Commission that it was in no way involved, either directly or indirectly, in it.

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A delegation of BJP leaders led by party spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi met the full Election Commission on Thursday to submit the party's response on the issue.

The party was issued a show cause notice by the Commission on April 16 giving it a week's time to reply. The Commission had also directed the UP government to file a criminal case of electoral bribery against BJP leader Lalji Tandon.

Twenty-one poor women and an infant were trampled to death in the stampede during the saree distribution programme organised to celebrate the birthday of Tandon on April 12.