Dump Varun, EC advises BJP

The political career of Varun, the other Gandhi scion, has suffered a setback before takeoff. The Election Commission on Sunday advised the BJP not to field him as its candidate for the Lok Sabha election in Pilibhit after finding him guilty of delivering inflammatory speeches.

The EC summarily rejected Varun’s reply to its notice as “unsatisfactory and an attempt to wriggle out of the situation”.
In an unprecedented move, the EC advised the party not to field Varun in the Lok Sabha election in view of the seriousness of the issue. The advice is not binding on the BJP, but it has embarrassed the party.

After a marathon meeting, the EC said the two speeches made by Varun contained highly derogatory references and provocative language. “It is a grave violation of the Model Code of Conduct,” it said.

Reacting to the BJP’s reply, the EC felt that merely disowning the speeches was not enough. “At least you must not field him for elections. It would amount to a violation of the Constitution,” the order said.

Varun’s reliance on the theory that the tapes were doctored and his voice had been changed also came in for serious reprimand by the EC. The commission said the tapes were authentic. It also said the criminal cases registered against him would be vigorously pursued.