BJP slams EC for not taking action against Mulayam

BJP on Tuesday, slammed the Election Commission for not taking any action against Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for violating the model code of conduct and alleged that the poll panel was being "partisan" in targeting Varun Gandhi, while letting off others.

"The leader of Mulayam Singh Yadav's stature directly threatening a Returning Officer is a serious matter. The Election Commission must take suo moto notice and initiate action," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

Mulayam had allegedly threatened the District Magistrate and Returning Officer of his constituency Mainpuri, Ministhy Dileep for cancelling some arms licenses. He had reportedly told her that he was not using his clout against her as she was a woman.

"The Election Commission became much active on Varun issue and chose to remain silent on (Congress minority Cell head) Imran Kidwai issue. If EC does not take suo moto action against Mulayam Singh Yadav people will get further bad impression about its role," Javadekar said.

Accusing EC of showing "hyper-activism" against Varun Gandhi for making communal speeches against minorities, BJP said Mulayam's case was serious as he had spoken against "womanhood".

"Mulayam Singh Yadav has said a lot by not saying directly but referring to her (district magistrate) womanhood, and this is also a serious concern. EC must take action," Javadekar said.