Union Minister Maneka Gandhi may be in trouble for her veiled threats to Muslims as the election body in Uttar Pradesh has taken a dim view of her comments made in a meeting in Sultanpur.
“The Election Commission has taken cognisance of the matter. District Magistrate, Sultanpur has issued a show-cause notice to her and a report has been sent to the poll body,” BR Tiwari, Additional Chief Election Officer was quoted by NDTV.
The Congress too took objection to her ‘divisive’ comments and approached the Election Commission with a complaint against her. Quoting sources in the Uttar Pradesh election office, news agency PTI reported that Maneka Gandhi will have to respond to the notice sent by the district poll authorities within three days.
They cited paragraph 1 the model code of conduct that forbids parties and candidates from indulging in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.
Faced with public condemnation and possible action from the election body, Maneka has now issued a clarification claiming that she loved Muslims.
In the video, Maneka Gandhi was seen addressing a group of Muslim voters with a threatening tone as she said, “I am winning with the help and love of people. But I wouldn’t like if my victory happens without the help of Muslims. I must tell you that then I feel bad. Then, when a Muslim comes to me for some work, I am inclined not to work (for Muslim). After all, jobs are also a deal. We are not the children of Mahatma Gandhi.”
She then went on to clarify her statement on Mahatma Gandhi further as she continued, “It’s not that we will only keep giving you but you will punish me in the elections. Is it true or not? I will win without you, I will win with your help too. This, you have to spread everywhere.”
Gandhi said that she would know whether Muslims had voted for her or not. She said, “When the results from your polling booth come and see only 50 or 100 votes in my favour, then I will also treat you in the same manner when you come to me for work (after I get elected).”