BJP distances itself from Giriraj

The Election Commission has decided to seek the details and video of the controversial remarks in which Bihar BJP leader Giriraj Singh has allegedly said that “those opposing Modi will have to go to Pakistan after elections”.
A red-faced BJP was busy Sunday trying to do some fire-fighting following the embarrassment caused to it by Mr Singh’s remarks.
Seeking to distance itself from the remarks of the party leader, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Nawada in Bihar, the BJP indicated it believes in inclusive politics.
Unfazed, Mr Singh tweeted late on Sunday evening, apparently seeking to explain his stand, “I maintain many Pakistani pro are constantly opposing NaMo. This nation belongs to Indian at heart else Pakistan always welcome anti India (sic),” he wrote, apparently giving a twist to his original statement.
Party president Rajnath Singh said, “The BJP believes in the politics of justice and humanity and taking everybody along.”
Senior Bihar BJP leader Sushilkumar Modi termed the statement “irresponsible” and said the party does not approve of it. “BJP doesn’t approve of irresponsible statement given by Giriraj Singh,” he tweeted.
The Congress and JD(U) have complained to the Election Commission, demanding criminal action against Mr Singh. Sources said that once the poll panel studies the entire text of the speech, action on the issue is likely as several parties have filed complaints against the alleged hate speech.
“This serious, condemnable statement presages what the BJP, if it comes to power, will do in India in the name of opposing Pakistan. Opposition to India in Pakistan means opposing Hindus. The BJP is preparing a stage for hostilities towards Muslims in India in future. They (BJP) may open camps of terrorism across India and put the two communities and the two countries to war,” said Ali Anwar, a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar’s ruling JD(U).
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress’s Bihar in-charge Satyavrat Chaturvedi condemned Singh’s statement, terming it “highly divisive” and demanding action against Singh.
BJP sources said that Mr Singh has been conveyed the party’s displeasure over his statement and asked to refrain from stoking any further row.
Party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said the party distances itself from his statement and Mr Modi’s tweet reflects its view.
Sources in the party feared Mr Singh’s comments could affect the chances of the saffron outfit as it could end up helping its political rivals and may hurt the party’s campaign built around the developmental agenda.
Meanwhile, the Congress sought “exemplary” punishment and criminal proceedings against Mr Singh over his remarks. “The speech had been calculatedly made, not only to exploit religious and communal feelings during operation of the model code of conduct but also to provoke public disorder,” said a letter by AICC secretary K.C. Mittal to the EC.
“You are kindly requested to get FIR registered against him (Singh). He should be arrested along with other conspirators on the dais like Nitin Gadkari (former BJP president) immediately. Action may also be taken against the BJP for de-recognition as a political party and/or any other action the Commission feels appropriate may also be taken against them,” Mr Mittal said in the complaint.
JD(U) secretary general K.C. Tyagi also shot off a letter to the EC demanding FIRs be registered against Mr Singh. The NCP too condemned Mr Singh’s remark as “anti-constitutional”..