Forgot to remove 'lotus' symbol while casting vote: Keshav Prasad Maurya on FIR against him

Responding to the FIR lodged against him for violating the poll code, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uttar Pradesh Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday defended himself saying that he simply 'forgot' to take off the party symbol from his coat before casting the polls.

Speaking to ANI, Maurya claimed that after an election rally, he went straight to the polling booth and hence 'did not remember the symbol being there'.

"I am aware of the case that has been filed. The BJP respects all election norms and decisions to be taken. We will follow all legal procedures required," Maurya added.

Earlier on Saturday, Maurya came under the scanner for displaying the party's poll symbol 'lotus' at the time of exercising his franchise at a booth in Allahabad.

Maurya was wearing a 'lotus' symbol on his jacket when he arrived at the booth to cast his vote. The leader proceeded to the EVM machine wearing the same jacket and exercised his franchise.

When the matter was brought to the administration's notice, Allahabad DM Sanjay Kumar ordered a Magistrate level enquiry and sought a detailed report.

Section 130 of the Representation of People's Act forbids any person, on the day of polling, to exhibit any notice or sign relating to the election within a distance of 100 metres of the polling station. Contravention of any of the provisions of the section, which places a number of other restrictions enforceable on polling days, is punishable with fine.