Pavan Varma strikes a discordant tone.
In a set of tweets, that can potentially cast a shadow over relationship between BJP and its ally JD(U), the general secretary of Niitish Kumar's party, Pavan Varma has raised questions about EC not announcing dates for Gujarat polls.
EC in a press conference last week announced dates for Himachal Elections, but refused to divulge the Gujarat dates. It merely said that the polling process will be finished before 18th December. Opposition leaders have alleged that EC held back on the announcement of dates as PM Modi was scheduled to travel to Gujarat and announce a slew of projects. Now adding to the noise, Varma who is part of ruling NDA has expressed reservation over EC's decision. He tweeted, " "EC must not only be impartial but seen to be so. Why have the dates for Gujarat elections not been announced? We need credible answers," he tweeted.
In another tweet, he said,
Varma when quizzed by PTI said that it's not a political statement as EC is not the "property of any political party". So I have asked the EC that in order to retain its impartiality, which we all respect, it must provide credible reasons for not doing so. That is a question beyond partisan politics. Democracy is about strength of the institutions," he told PTI.
He also claimed that he is speaking as the party spokesperson, as everyone hopes for an impartial EC. Defending his comments about the hunger index, Varma told PTI, " The JD(U) might be a member of the NDA but it was a party with its own identity, ideology and point of view". He questioned the direction of the economic growth and stressed on 'growth with justice'.
In Patna, when asked about Varma's statements, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reportedly said that he is yet to see the tweets and can only tweet after that.
With PTI inputs
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 "Pavan Varma")
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