New Delhi:
In a major relief to
Narendra Modi's close aide
Amit Shah, the Election Commission today lifted its ban on his participation in Lok Sabha poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh after he assured the poll body that he would not disturb the public tranquility and law and order.
The Commission allowed Mr Shah to hold public meetings, public rallies and roadshows and take out public processions in UP, an Election Commission order said.
Only yesterday, the Election Commission had "censured" Mr Shah for his controversial "revenge" remarks. On April 11, it had ordered the UP government to ban Mr Shah and UP minister Azam Khan from campaigning in the state following their controversial remarks. (
Read: After ban on campaign, Election Commission censures Amit Shah, Azam Khan for remarks)
Mr Shah had landed in a major controversy for his remarks that the general election was an opportunity to seek "revenge for the insult" inflicted during the riots in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh last year. (
Read: Election Commission bans Azam Khan and Amit Shah's rallies in Uttar Pradesh)
"ln your representation, you have stated, inter alia, that you undertake on oath that I shall not use abusive or derogatory language in the campaign and shall not make any utterances violative of model code of conduct..." the Election Commission order today said. (
Elections 2014: Full Coverage)
The Commission also noted that Mr Shah had pledged that he will in no manner give cause to be accused as having indulged in any act of commission or omission which has the effect of prejudicially affecting the public tranquility and law and order.
"The Commission, having considered your aforesaid assurance/undertaking, has decided to modify its order dated, April 11, 2014 to the effect that permission may be granted for holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies' road shows' etc'' by the concerned district administration authorities where you are expected or likely to participate," the order said.
While giving him a "second chance" the Commission said it will "closely monitor Shah's campaign by constant video tracking by concerned district election authorities." (
Also read: FIR registered against Amit Shah for 'revenge' remarks in riot-hit area)