EC asks TS police to book BJP MLA Raja Singh for bulldozer comments

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India has ordered an FIR against Goshamahal BJP MLA T Raja Singh and barred him from making public statements for 72 hours regarding the ongoing elections in view of his recent statements threatening Uttar Pradesh voters.

"In view of the show-cause notice issued to Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh for prima facie violation of Model Code of Conduct & no reply despite seeking time extension till today afternoon, it'll be presumed that he has nothing to say in the matter & EC will take further action," - the order reads.

The Commission has issued a notice to him on 16 February with regards to an objectionable statement made by him in a video that went viral. While Raja Singh was given 24 hours to respond, he sought more time till 21 February. Considering his request, the Election Commission has extended the time till 1 pm, 19 February.

The EC said that it informed the same via email and that in the event of no response from his side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that he has nothing to say and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference

On Saturday evening, the EC confirmed that they have not received any response from Mr Singh.

The EC noted that he had violated the Model Code of Conduct, along with Section 171 F of the Indian Penal Code and Representation of People Act 1951.

The Telangana Chief Electoral Officer has been ordered to file an FIR against him under the relevant sections and acts.

"Commission further orders under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and all other powers enabling in this behalf, to prohibit him from holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, roadshows and interviews, public utterances in media (electronic, print, social media) etc, in connection with ongoing elections for 72 hours from 06:00 pm on 19th February 2022 (Saturday)," the order reads.