Amit Shah has clarified in an interview to NDTV
's top aide,
Amit Shah, who is running the BJP's campaign in Uttar Pradesh, has, in an interview to NDTV, discussed the controversial remarks that provoked the Election Commission barring him from campaigning in India's most populous state.
Mr Shah told NDTV that when he asked voters to seek "revenge" in this election, he meant that they should seek retribution for a lack of development. His intent was not to stir communal tension, he said. (
Read: Amit Shah's 'revenge' remark in riot-hit area sparks controversy)
Mr Shah's remark on revenge was made to Hindu community leaders in Muzaffarnagar, a part of Western Uttar Pradesh which was lacerated by communal riots last year. The Election Commission had said that the speech was designed to provoke communal hatred and said the politician
could not hold rallies or public meetings.
The ban on Mr Shah, 50, was lifted last week after he promised in writing that he would not "use abusive or derogatory language in the campaign".
Mr Shah has been dogged by scandals - facing murder and extortion charges which date back to his term as Mr Modi's Home Minister in Gujarat. Despite the cases, he is a close confidante of the BJP's prime ministerial candidate. The BJP dismisses these court cases as politically motivated and as a conspiracy by the Congress-led UPA government.
Mr Shah is not the only politician to have landed in hot water over campaign speeches.
The Electoral Commission has also ordered a probe into statements by Azam Khan, a prominent Muslim leader of the regional Samajwadi Party which is the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh. (
Read: Ban on Amit Shah lifted, Azam Khan refuses to apologise)