Saharnapur/New Delhi: Saharanpur Congress candidate Imran Masood, who stirred up a controversy by threatening to “chop Narendra Modi into pieces”, has apologized for his remark.
Masood’s statement invited sharp criticism from BJP, which termed the remark as “inflammatory” and sought strict action by the Election Commission. A video of the incident, which has gone viral on the web, shows Masood attacking the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate during an election rally in Saharanpur, saying he will “chop him into pieces”.
As the matter came to light, a case has been registered against Masood at Devbad police station in the district. “If Modi tries to make Uttar Pradesh into Gujarat, then we will chop him into tiny pieces…I am not scared of getting killed or attacking someone. I will fight against Modi. He thinks UP is Gujarat. Only 4 per cent Muslims are there in Gujarat while there are 42 per cent Muslims in UP,” he said.
While apologising later, he admitted, “I should have been more cautious with my words” and that the same were said in the heat of electioneering. Saharanpur District Magistrate as well as District Election Officer Sandhya Tiwari said a CD with the recordings of Masood’s statement had been received by them, which has been forwarded to the Election Commission.
Masood has been booked under Sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, district authorities said. BJP condemned Masood’s remarks and asked the Election Commission to take strict note of it while also ensuring the safety and security of all its leaders including Modi.
BJP will make an official complaint with the EC tomorrow and a high-level delegation of the party will meet top poll officials in Delhi seeking strong action against Masood’s remarks that it says vitiates the atmosphere.
