Varun Gandhi files his nomination from Pilibhit, promises to fight for poor

Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Apr 22 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi on Wednesday filed his nomination as a candidate from the Pilibhit constituency in Uttar Pradesh amid tight security.

Varun, who is on a two-week parole after being jailed under the National Securities Act (NSA) for his alleged hate speech, was accompanied by his mother Maneka Gandhi while filing his papers before the District Magistrate here.

Firm security arrangements were made near the collectorate office to avoid any untoward incident.

Varun, who is contesting polls for the first time, was denied to have company of his supporters while filing the nominations. He, therefore, maintained a low-key status during the whole process.

Talking on the Uttar Pradesh Government of Chief Minister Mayawati in a rally here, he said every effort was made to make him feel miserable and isolated when he was in the Pilibhit and Etah jail.

Earlier, addressing a public rally in Nawabganj before filing his nomination, Gandhi had asserted that non-violence is his religion and that he has strong family values which include respecting and loving others.

Varun had also said that he is ready to go to Etah jail "again and again" and promised that he would continue fighting for the issues related to the dignity of poor people.

Gandhi claimed that while other candidates were contesting the elections on money power, he was fighting it with "people's power".

In a bid to win the confidence of people, he said, "Whatever may come, I will stand rock-solid with you."

Gandhi spent 20 days in jail before the Supreme Court granted a two-week parole on the condition he will not make any inflammatory speeches during the elections.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission (EC) had turned down the request made by Varun for transfer of Pilibhit District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.

The EC also rejected Varun's appeal to appoint neutral observers in his constituency. (ANI)