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Giriraj to surrender today; fresh EC notice to Azam
Tribune News Service/PTI

Patna/New Delhi, April 23
Facing arrest for his controversial statements, senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh today said that he would surrender before the court tomorrow, while the Election Commission issued a fresh notice to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for his reported objectionable remarks against the EC and circumventing a ban imposed on him from campaigning in Uttar Pradesh.

The EC, in order on April 11, had banned Khan from campaigning in UP after his remarks that only Muslim soldiers won the “Kargil war” for India. “I will surrender before court tomorrow... I have respect for law, judiciary and the Election Commission,” Giriraj said, adding, “I will not reveal where I will surrender.”

Three FIRs were lodged against Giriraj. Two FIRs - at Deogarh and Bokaro in Jharkhand and one in Patna - were lodged against him at the behest of the Election Commission, which has barred him from campaigning in the two states in the wake of his April 18 controversial remarks that those opposing BJP PM nominee Narendra Modi should go to Pakistan, and that the Centre was giving subsidy for export of beef while taxing those who reared cows.

The third FIR was lodged at the Airport police station here two days ago for repeating the same remarks publicly on April 20. Patna district administration had issued notice to Singh and sought his reply within 24 hours, which he did after expiry of the deadline. Singh alleged that he was singled out for punishment though a number of leaders like Azam Khan (SP), Shazia Ilmi and Prashant Bhushan (AAP) and Akbaruddin Owaisi (AIMIM) were “going around scot-free” despite their controversial remarks.

Meanwhile, the EC has asked Azam to respond to the charges by Friday evening, failing which a decision will be taken without further reference to him. The EC said it has noted with “deep concern” that despite the ban, Khan “persistently, continuously and wilfully” continued to violate the model code of conduct.

It said the UP minister made provocative statements which can aggravate the existing differences and create mutual hatred between communities. The EC said Khan had made “totally baseless and scurrilous allegations” against the Election Commission.