EC files FIR against BJP and others

New Delhi/Lucknow, Apr 5 (UNI) Just two days ahead of polling for the first phase in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP, one of the main players in the electoral battle in the state, found itself in serious trouble today with the Election Commission filing FIR against the party for releasing a CD, containing allegedly objectionable remarks against Muslims and visuals of Godhra arson and Babri demolition.

The EC also issued notice to the party, asking it to reply by 1500 hrs tomorrow.

Though in a directive to the state Chief Electoral Officer, a copy of which was made available to mediapersons here, the EC asked him to file FIR against party chief Ranjath Singh, senior leader Lalji Tandon and others, a report from Lucknow quoting Additional CEO Mritunjay Narain said no leader of the party was named in the FIR.

The CD released to the media by the BJP leaders contained ''inflammatory material derogratory to the sentiments of a certain comunity and had the potentail of creating comunal tension,'' the EC said in the directive to the CEO.

The preparation and release of such a CD amounts to a violation of the provisions of law, including sections 153A, 153B and 505 of IPC, clauses(3) and (3A) of section 123 and section 125 of the Representation of People's Act, 1951, the EC said.s Violation of Section 125 attracts three years imprisonment and fine.

The EC said that it was reported that the CD was released by Mr Lalji Tandon, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and displayed and distributed to the public/media in the state.

Pointing out that such an action by leaders and other party members was a violation of the model code of conduct, the Commission in a notice to the BJP asked it to explain as to why action against it should not be taken under para 16A of the Election Symbols (Allotment and Reservation) Order of 1968.

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