Azam Khan targets EC again, says it cannot behave like God

Rampur(UP): Targeting the Election Commission again, SP leader Azam Khan, who has been banned from campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, today said it cannot "behave like God" and dared the poll body to cancel his membership of the state Assembly.

SP leader Azam Khan. File Pic

"The Election Commission cannot behave like God! Instead it should adopt a line of action best suited for democracy and in the spirit of the Constitution," Khan told reporters here. The controversial UP minister also asked the poll body to "exhibit courage" and cancel his membership of the UP Assembly.

The EC on April 23 issued a fresh show-cause notice to Khan for reportedly making objectionable remarks against it and circumventing a ban imposed on him from campaigning in UP.

The show-cause notice was issued to Khan, days after the EC banned him from campaigning in the state following his controversial 'Kargil' remarks. Khan said, "I dont need any person's kindness or leniency since I have been acknowledged as a man of principles and high ideals from the beginning of my political career."

The senior SP leader alleged that the EC behaved differently and in a partial manner with him because he was a Muslim.

"A person (Amit Shah) who has widely been termed as a hooligan or assassin of humanity by different political bodies as well as widely acknowledged personalities representing social, religious and political fields was allowed to deliver speeches and campaign for BJP's candidates, but because I happen to be a Muslim so the EC has taken action against me," he said.

Khan had hit out at the EC last month for banning his rallies in UP, saying," It is not above law". "In a democracy, to make us silent and punish us like this is absolutely wrong. It shows the country that the EC is turning into a CBI," he said. Khan has also threatened to go on fast if the EC ban on him is not lifted.