EC examining video of Togadia, Giriraj's remarks, say officials

If prima facie found guilty of violating the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws, the two could be served with show cause notices in the coming days, say EC officials

The Election Commission is in the process of examining the video footage of controversial statements of VHP leader Pravin Togadia and BJP leader Giriraj Singh and will soon decide on issuing them show cause notices.

EC officials said here that while separate FIRs have been lodged against the two, the poll body is in the process of examining the videos of their remarks.

They said the two, if prima facie found guilty of violating the Model Code of Conduct and electoral laws, could be served with show cause notices in the coming days.

Togadia, who is not on the best of terms with Narendra Modi, created a storm when he had asked his supporters to forcibly vacate a house purchased by a Muslim in a Hindu-majority area of Bhavnagar.

Giriraj Singh, a former minister and a candidate in Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, had said those opposing Modi had no place in India and should go to Pakistan.

Following a storm over his remarks, Togadia has denied giving any advise which was "socially or legally wrong" and threatened to take legal action against media houses.

Despite party president Rajnath Singh pulling him up, Giriraj Singh has said he stood by his comments.

In a series of tweets today, BJP prime ministerial nominee Modi disapproved of the 'petty' statements'.

"Petty statements by those claiming to be BJP's well- wishers are deviating the campaign from the issues of development and good governance.

"I disapprove (of) any such irresponsible statements and appeal to those making them to kindly refrain from doing so," Modi said in a series of tweets without naming anyone.