TCN News with inputs from IANS
New Delhi, April 15 : The Election Commission on Monday barred BSP leader Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections for 48 and 72 hours respectively.
UP chief Minister Yogi was criticised for referring to the Indian Army as ‘ Modi ji’s sena’ and also for telling Muslims ” If you have faith in Ali, we have faith in Bajrangbali’. While BSP leader Mayawati had in her speeches in the rallies appealed to Muslim voters and had said, ” particularly Muslims” when talking about splitting of the votes of Muslim voters.
The Election Commission took action only after the Supreme Court directed one of the representatives of the EC to appear before them for hearing. The EC had earlier cited that they do not have any power and are helpless. But after hearing from the SC they swung to action and issued orders against both Yogi Adityanath and Mayawati, invoking special power under Article 324 of the Constitution.