If BJP loses Bihar elections, Diwali will be in Pak: Shah

Raxaul, Oct 29: BJP President Amit Shah today said if BJP loses in Bihar, Diwali will be celebrated in Pakistan, a statement his rivals called was an attempt to communalise the elections.

"If BJP loses Bihar elections even by chance, though victory or defeat will happen in Patna, firecrackers would be burst in Pakistan," he told an election rally here in East Champaran district. He appealed to the people to ensure victory of BJP "so that disappointment descends in Pakistan". [Bihar Election 2015: Special Coverage]

On a whirlwind campaign in Bihar for next two phases of polling, Shah's statement assumes significance as these phases would cover a number of constituencies where Muslims are in sizeable number in the 57 seats in the last phase that includes Kisanganj, Araria, Purnea, Katihar and Darbhanga.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has fielded candidates in six seats in Seemanchal areas.

Meanwhile, the grand secular alliance has taken strong exception to Shah's statement and has decided to knock the doors of the Election Commission tomorrow.

A delegation of JD(U), RJD and Congress would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Shah's reference to Pakistan "which is aimed at polarisation of votes on communal lines", JD(U) General Secretary K C Tyagi said.

PTI