India Lok Sabha Elections 2014 is now at its climax, as the counting of votes has begun and the fate of the next government would be sealed has been sealed before the day ends.
But looking back at the phase when our politicians were trying out every trick in the book to lure voters, we find that this election has been quite controversial, with high-decibel statements being lashed out without even thinking for a second what their implications can be.
Here, we have compiled some of the most controversial statements and words uttered by politicians, which were condemned and criticized all over:
Contents
Sharad Pawar:
During a rally in Mumbai on March 23, 2014, Sharad Pawar actually encouraged people to vote twice, which is not only illegal but punishable by law as well. His exact statement: “Last time [in 2009], polling in Satara and Mumbai was on the same day and people went to their hometowns. But this time polling in Satara is on April 17 and here [Mumbai / Navi Mumbai] on April 24. Vote for the clock [NCP’s symbol] there and come back to vote for the clock here as well”
Election commission issued notice to Sharad Pawar for making such ridiculous suggestion.
Beni Prasad Verma
On April 2, Beni Prasad Verma from Congress passed a statement: “People from RSS and BJP killed Gandhiji. Modi is BJP’s biggest goon..”
Election commission took note of this strong statement and issued notice to him.
Azam Khan
On April 9, Azam Khan from Samajwadi Party said in Ghaziabad: “Kargil ki pahadiyon ko fateh karne wale Hindu sainik nahin balki Musalmaan they. (Muslim soldiers conquered the hills of Kargil)”
This statement inciting communal hatred was not taken down lightly by the media and leaders of every political party except SP lashed out against Azam Khan. Eventually Election Commission had to intervene and he was barred from holding public meetings or road shows. An FIR was also lodged against him.
Mulayam Singh Yadav
Mulayam Singh Yadav is a three time CM of UP, having a rich political experience. But on the issue of rape, he too issued a very ridiculous statement: “Ladkon se aisi galtiyan ho jati hain, to iska matlab yeh to nahi ki unhe phaansi de di jaaye (Boys make mistakes, but this doesn’t mean you hang them).”
Sadly, our law cant do anything for those who makes such statements.
Mamata Bannerjee
On April 7, Mamta said, “I challenge EC. I wont remove a single SP… Who is EC? They are working under Congress and BJP.”
The issue propped up after Election Commission transferred few West Bengal officials on complains that they helped rigging the polls by encouraging booth capturing. EC took strong position and threatened to cancel West Bengal polls. After this threat, Mamata backed off.
Imran Masood
Imran Masood from Congress issued a statement on March 28, 2014: “I am a man of the street, ready to give my life for my people. I am neither afraid of death or of killing….He thinks this is Gujarat. There are only 4% Muslims in Gujarat. There are 42% Muslims here. If he tries to convert this into Gujarat, then we will chop him”
Election Commission filed a FIR, resulting which he was arrested and sent to jail for 14 days.
Abu Azmi
On April 11, 2014, Abu Azmi from Samajwadi Party issued a ridiculous statement on rape: “Any woman if, whether married or unmarried, goes along with a man, with or without her consent, should be hanged. Both should be hanged. It shouldn’t be allowed even if a woman goes by consent.”
It actually shows the mentality and thought process of such ‘leader’. His daughter-in-law Ayesha Takia had to come to Twitter and apologize for this statement.
Amit Shah
Amit Shah from BJP was the main campaigning person for Narendra Modi, as he spearheaded his campaign planning across whole India, especially Uttar Pradesh. He issued a controversial statement on April 4: “This election is about voting out the government that protects and gives compensation to those who killed Jats.. It is about badla (revenge) and protecting izzat (honour).”
Election Commission took strong note of this statement, and FIR was filed against him. He was promptly banned from holding public rallies in UP.
Do share your views and opinions by commenting right here.
Just wondering why politicians haven’t spoken about terrorism? Did they think that they may not get minorities votes if they do so?
Why politicians were playing only with the sentiments of the people…
I actually came here to see if there is any statement made by Narendra Mod. But I am disappointed :(
Just wondering, you have highlighted all the controversial statements by different leaders from different parties in big banner like images. But the last one got just a bold font. Shouldn’t you have followed the pattern ? Do I see favoritism here ?