EC seeks report on use of abusive language by Vaghani in his speech

Surat: The Election Commission of India has sought a report from the authorities concerned on the alleged use of abusive language for Congress by Gujarat BJP president Jitu Vaghani during electioneering in Surat on Sunday. Defending himself, Vaghani said he had used a word for some Congress leaders which in colloquial language meant illegitimate children.
Vaghani had asked voters to identify those trying to disturb peace in the state. “I am telling Congress that you cannot win in Surat and Gujarat. This is why you are trying to spread hatred and create chaos. Allow election to take place in a peaceful environment. Let people to vote for whomsoever they want. I want to tell people of the state to recognize inimical forces who harass citizens.”

“But you want to create chaos and an atmosphere of fear. One such incident has already occurred, but if second incident takes place, we may throw you out of Surat," he said. Vaghani was referring to clash between BJP and Congress workers outside the district collector’s office on April 4. A number of workers belonging to both the parties were injured in the clash and they had lodged cross-complaints against each other.

Meanwhile, city unit Congress president Babu Rayka said his party would be filing an official complaint with the Election Commission of India.

Gujarat’s chief electoral officer Dr. S. Murali Krishna said, "I have asked DEO Surat to file a report to ascertain whether Gujarat BJP president had violated the model code of conduct while making his speech in Surat.”

Surat district chief nodal officer and additional collector Sanjay Vasava told TOI, “We have asked our officers to file a report on the incident. We will take action based on the report.

Meanwhile, Jitu Vaghani said, "I had used a word in colloquial language specifically for Mohammed Surti, then Congress minister, caught with an AK 56 rifle and was allegedly involved in Surat bomb blasts. This incident had taken place when Congress was in power. Is using this word for people like him a crime. Congress had given political shelter to criminals like Izu Sheikh, Latif and a number of other criminals. Why does Congress protect such criminals? I have not violated the model code of conduct.”

Mohammed Surti, who was convicted and imprisoned for his role in the bomb blasts, was later acquitted by Supreme Court in 2014.