Prominent citizens demand BJP disqualification

Prominent citizens demands disqualification of BJP candidates from the UP elections and the de-recognition of the party for “spreading hate propaganda” against minority communities.

Prominent citizens on Thursday demanded disqualification of BJP candidates from the Uttar Pradesh elections and the de-recognition of the party for “spreading hate propaganda” against minority communities.

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The hate propaganda contained in the CD amounts not only to a constitutional and criminal offence, but also an electoral offence, said Teesta Setalwad at a press conference jointly addressed by Swami Agnivesh of the Bandhua Mukti Morcha, Kamal Faruqui of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, film-maker MK Raina and others.

The group, in a joint letter, also urged Home Minister Shivraj Patil to launch criminal prosecution against the BJP in different parts of Uttar Pradesh

The Election Commission is itself on trial after the sensational disclosures of the existence and circulation of such a CD by the BJP, said filmmaker MK Raina. The Election Commission’s ruling in the matter will provide an answer to issues concerning the secular foundations of the Indian state, he said.

Referring to his petition jointly filed with Nirmala Deshpande three years ago to demand the de-recognition of the BJP, Swami Agnivesh said that the saffron party has all along been spreading communal venom in the country. It is only now that the cat is out of the bag, he said.

The citizens argued that the BJP’s decision to withdraw the CD was not adequate a measure, as it was always possible to reproduce and use the CD. “Infact, the underground fascist network of the RSS is probably using it”, the statement says.