EC lets off Shankersinh Vaghela with a warning

New Delhi: The Election Commission has let off Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela with a caution for making hate speeches in Surat during the poll campaign in Gujarat and asked him to be careful in future. The EC meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath decided on the action against Vaghela after issuing a notice to him for making hate speeches in poll-bound Gujarat that made references to post-Godhra violence. [caption id=“attachment_533748” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Shankarsinh Vaghela. AFP[/caption] The Commission’s action came after considering Vaghela’s November 20 reply where he recorded his “deepest regrets” and remorse for utterance of objectionable words in his speech. “The Election Commission, in view of the aforementioned explanation, particularly his deepest regrets, hereby cautions him to be careful in future,” the EC order said. The Commission had received a complaint from the BJP against Vaghela, following which the CD and transcript of his speeches were examined. The reports of Chief Electoral Officer, Gujarat, District Election Officer, Surat and Returning Officer, Udhna Assembly Constituency had also said that Vaghela has violated the Model Code of Conduct by inciting the communal feelings of the people through his speech made at a public meeting at BRC Gate ground, Surat on 31 October. The Model Code provides that “No party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.” Vaghela, in his speech had said, “Godhra tragedy occurred. The train compartment was burnt. You People try to understand this conspiracy… Massacre was planned to get votes of the Hindus…” He also said, “One Maulvi with a long beard was embraced by him and the Maulvi got delighted. I said, ‘Maulavi Saheb, this is not a sign of love or affection. He is merely measuring your neck, so that when the time comes it should be available without any effort.” PTI