EC seeks report on Varun Gandhi's remarks

The Election Commission today sought a report from the administration after Varun Gandhi, the Bhartiya Janata Party candidate from Pilibhit, made allegedly communal remarks at a rally.

The Election Commission on Sunday sought a report from the administration after Varun Gandhi, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Pilibhit, made allegedly communal remarks at a rally.

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"We have been asked (by the Election Commission) to submit a report in the next three days," Pilibhit sub-divisional magistrate Zameel Alam told IANS by telephone.

Addressing a public gathering in Barkeda locality March 7-8, Gandhi, son of sitting Pilibhit MP and former central minister Maneka Gandhi, made allegedly anti-Muslim remarks, which were reported widely in Hindi news channels.

“Gandhi had made similar remarks at a rally on Feb 22. The administration had then cautioned him against making such statements," said a senior official, preferring anonymity.

Maneka Gandhi has vacated the Pilibhit seat for the 28-year-old who will be contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time.