A delegation comprising of UP BJP leaders led by MlC Shayam Nandan Singh met the UP Chief Electoral officer (CEO) T Venktesh, and requested him to take action against the Congress vice-president and his party of allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The complaint states that Rahul had hurt religious sentiments by comparing the Congress party’s ‘hand’ symbol with Buddha, Gurunanak, Mahavir. ‘Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour is not only violative of the apex court’s orders but also against section 123 (3) of Representation of the People’s Act 1951,’ they said. The delegation also demanded disqualification of the Congress. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi had stated at a party function that the Congress symbol is in lord Shiva’s picture. The gods in every religion are showing the Congress symbol. ‘When I see the image of Guru Nanak Dev ji, I see the Congress symbol, ‘Hand’, in his hand,’ Rahul had said.
The BJP also sought the withdrawal of the Congress’ election symbol ‘hand’ as well as cancellation of its recognition as a national party. ‘Rahul Gandhi, at a convention, named as ‘Jan Vedna Sammelan’ in Delhi on January 11, 2017, made religious comments by co-relating the symbol of Indian National Congress with religious gods such as Shivji, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Mahavir and Islam, violating the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, MCC and the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court,’ the BJP wrote in its complaint.