Lok Sabha elections 2019: NO ACTION, ONLY NOTICE’: Mayawati slams EC over Pragya row

She said despite criticism by the media, the poll watchdog was not able to work impartially, which was a matter of concern.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday said the silence of the Election Commission over the controversial statements of BJP candidate from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon terror attack case, was encouraging other leaders to give provocative speeches.

“Voters belonging to the weaker section of the society were intimidated by BJP candidates and complaints were lodged with the Election Commission. But no action has been taken yet,” she said. (HT Photo)

Terming Thakur “a gem” of the BJP, the BSP chief demanded cancellation of her nomination. “The real face of the BJP and the RSS has been exposed during the general election… Instead of taking action against Sadhvi Pragya, the Election Commission is merely issuing her notices,” Mayawati was quoted as saying in a press release.

She said despite criticism by the media, the poll watchdog was not able to work impartially, which was a matter of concern.

Holding the top leadership of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for “the decline in the democratic principles”, she said the BJP leaders had been accused of violating the model code of conduct but the matter was still pending before the EC for action.

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Earlier, too, Mayawati had attacked the EC alleging that the poll body had failed to take action against administrative and police officers whose role had been “doubtful” while discharging poll duty. “Voters belonging to the weaker section of the society were intimidated by BJP candidates and complaints were lodged with the Election Commission. But no action has been taken yet,” she said.