BJP asks EC to reconsider its ban order against Amit Shah

New Delhi, April 11: Terming as "disturbing" the

order banning Narendra Modi's close aide

, accused of making hate speeches, from campaigning in

,

today urged the poll body to review its order and give him a hearing in the interest of natural justice. BJP said the order raised "disturbing" questions as Shah has been given time till tomorrow to reply to the EC's show cause over his 'revenge' remarks.

The opposition party also objected to Shah being equated with UP minister and senior SP leader Azam Khan against whom UP authorities have not initiated action for his alleged hate speeches. "BJP would respectfully urge the EC to review this order and we trust that an appropriate hearing and consideration shall be given to the reply to the show cause to be filed by Shah within the time stipulated by the Commission," senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told PTI.

The EC banned Amit Shah and Azam Khan from holding public rallies in UP

He said that without even awaiting the response to the notice, such a punitive order has been issued which "prima facie is in the violation of the principle of natural justice". Cracking the whip against Shah and Khan, the Election Commission today banned them from holding public meetings, processions or roadshows in Uttar Pradesh and asked authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against them. The EC also directed the UP Chief Secretary to ensure no act of commission or omission is resorted to by Shah and Khan that can affect public tranquillity and law and order.

PTI