EC seeks tape of Pravin Togadia's ‘evict Muslims from Hindu areas’ remark

Rajkot: The Election Commission has sought the recording of speech made by VHP leader Pravin Togadia in Bhavnagar in which he allegedly said that people from minority community should be stopped from buying properties in Hindu-dominated localities.

"They (EC officials) are in the process of acquiring the recording of the statements made by Togadia and after listening to it they will decide the future course of action," Bhavnagar District Collector and Returning Officer P K Solanki told PTI here on Monday.

Togadia had reportedly asked his supporters on Saturday to get vacated the house purchased by a Muslim man in a Hindu locality near Meghani Circle area in Bhavnagar, around 180 kms from here.

Togadia had allegedly told the gathering, mainly comprising local residents and Bajrang Dal workers, that they should give an ultimatum of 48 hours to the occupant to vacate the house, or else they should storm into it, take possession and put up a Bajrang Dal board there. He reportedly also asked them to demand the implementation of Distrubed Areas Act in Bhavnagar, which prevents inter-community sale of immovable property. The Act is in force in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, he said.

The VHP leader said there had been a pattern in many towns and cities in the country that first house in a locality is purchased by Muslims at a very high price, and later they keep coming to settle in surrounding house at lower price.

He also said that election is the best time to pressurise political parties to ensure safety of Hindus and people should not be afraid of pressuring either BJP or Congress.

The Muslim family, which has purchased the house, has not shifted to that locality.

Congress on Monday approached the Election Commission seeking stern action against Togadia for his "anti-national and provocative" remarks, and said it was aimed at helping Narendra Modi and BJP in the elections.

In a complaint to the EC, Congress's Legal Department secretary K C Mittal said that Togadia's statement is "anti-national, provocative, inflammatory and an open threat to persons belonging to a particular community".

"The intent and purpose of such a statement is well known when the election process is on -- to seek votes for BJP and Narendra Modi with whom they share the same philosophy and ideology," he said in the letter.

Mittal regretted that such statements are allowed and permitted by BJP to seek votes by spreading hatred amongst different communities and religions.

"Unless the Commission takes stern action against persons making such speeches, fair and proper election cannot be conducted," he said.

Naresh Gujaral of Shiromani Akali Dal said, "anybody who speaks this kind of language has no place in our society".

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury demanded immediate arrest of the VHP leader for his "hate speech" and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who also holds the Home portfolio, should take this action.

"As the Home Minister of Gujarat, Modi should himself act (against Togadia) for his hate speech. If he doesn't, then it is clear that Togadia said all this with his blessings," Yechury said.

JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said "Togadia seems to be influenced by Taliban mentality....No action has been taken against him due to a weak government".

Fatehpuri mosque's Mufti Mukkaram said the VHP leader should be arrested immediately.

However, denying the reports that Togadia has made such a statement, RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav said "I have spoken to Praveen Togadia. He completely denies making such comments. It is fabricated.

"No Swayamsevak thinks on such divisive lines. They think of all people as one. One people, one nation," he said. The Election Commission has sought a recording of

Togadia's speech. "They (EC officials) are in the process of acquiring the recording of the statements made by Togadia and after listening to it they will decide the future course of action," Bhavnagar District Collector and Returning Officer P K Solanki told PTI.