UP: EC notice to BJP over the controversial CD

New Delhi, Apr 5: The Election Commission today decided to issue a notice to the Bharatiya Janata Party for releasing a controversial CD that contains 'objectionable' remarks against Muslims and visuals of Godhra arson and Babri demolition.

The CD in a twin pack titled UP Victimised was released as part of the party's Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections campaign on Tuesday.

The contents of the CD have evoked strong reaction from a cross section of political parties.

The Election Commission decided to issue the notice after perusing the content of the CD, Commission sources said.

Yesterday, the BJP leaders had admitted their mistake in releasing the CD. The party had also removed state party spokesman Manoj Mishra, who was said to be responsible for its release. Senior BJP leader and legislator party leader Lalji Tandon had said in Lucknow that the party had no hesitation in tendering apology for the contents of the CDs which was released by a party functionary without showing it to senior leaders.

He said the spokesman kept the leaders in the dark about the contents of the CDs and it was released by him inadvertently.

The CD controversy has come up two days ahead of the first phase of polling in the state that will take place on April seven.

UNI