Poll panel allows Amit Shah to resume campaign

The Election Commission Thursday allowed BJP leader Amit Shah, a close aide of the party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, to resume campaign in Uttar Pradesh after he promised not to use derogatory language or do anything violative of the poll code.

The Election Commission of India, referring to Shah's request to modify its ban order of April 11, took note of his assurance to the poll panel, including not to "give cause to be accused as having indulged in any act of commission or omission which has the effect of prejudicially affecting the public tranquility and law and order".

The poll panel, while giving him permission, said its decision was being taken with a view to giving "you a second chance to show by your conduct that you adhere to the provisions of model code of conduct in letter and spirit."

The panel said it would closely monitor his campaign activities by constant video tracking by the district election authorities.

The commission had Wednesday censured Shah for his "misconduct" for his statements made during election meetings at Shamli, Bijnore and Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh.