FIR against minister for asking Hindus to vote BJP

An FIR has been registered against Rajasthan minister of state for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Dhan Singh Rawat for allegedly asking 'Hindus to vote for BJP'.

Dhan Singh stirred a controversy by seeking votes in the name of religion even as the model code of conduct is in place. During one of his public address in Banswara district on October 27, he allegedly asked Hindus to vote for BJP.

In a video that went viral, Rawat is heard saying, "Rajasthan mein jitne bhi Hindu hain, un sabhi Hinduon ko ekjut BJP ko vote dena hai. Agar Congress ke saath judd kar saare Muslim matdaan kar sakte hain toh saare Hindu BJP ke saath ja sakte hain aur prachand bahumat se BJP ko jita sakte hain. If Muslims can vote unitedly for Congress then all Hindus should also unite and vote for BJP,” Rawat is heard saying in a video of the meeting.

In the viral video, Rawat is also said that people should vote for BJP as it is a protector of the traditional culture, whereas Congress is a ‘party of Muslims’. An FIR was registered against Rawat at the Banswara Kotwali police station under section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Earlier, the district collector and returning officer of Banswara had issued EC notice to Rawat for violation of model code of conduct. State chief electoral officer (CEO) Anand Kumar confirmed, “An FIR has been lodged against him. The Collector had filed the complaint issued a notice in the matter and sought a reply from him in a three-day time".

Reacting to the statement made by Rawat, Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria that BJP does not believe to divide voters into religious lines. “ Voter has no religion. He is neither Muslim nor Hindu. BJP works for the development of people and will continue to do so".

Earlier Prakash Javadekar, Union HRD minister and party election in-charge of Rajasthan ruled out that BJP does not practise politics in the name of caste or religion.

His statement comes six weeks ahead when Rajasthan will go to polls on December 7 this year. The results will be announced on December 11.