BJP yesterday ruled out Election Commission’s appeal that it should not make Varun Gandhi it’s candidate in the wake of his recent communal remarks and reiterated that there is no change in Varun’s Candidacy from  Pilibhit. BJP also questioned EC’s authority to issue such an appeal.

This was decided in an Emergency meeting of BJP leaders presided by Advani. After the meeting BJP cleared its stand that it is a very uncommon act from the part of EC to advise a political party to change its candidate and EC doesn’t have any authority to decide on the candidates of any Political party.

Mean while Varun Gandhi also yesterday hit back at the election commission and  accused the panel of taking “hasty” and “harsh” action “pressurized by political considerations”.He also added that there were no attempt from EC’s side to ascertain the truth before passing such a censure. “I believe my real court of appeal lies with the people.” Varun said making it clear that he would not withdraw from the polls.

The EC gave the recommendation without “examining the authenticity or source of the tape that was sent to it which on a cursory glance shows that there has been splicing, repetition and interpolation during the so-called editing process as evident from the media logo seen in the footage. The short jumpy sequences also establish that the tape has been edited,” Varun said.

BJP president Rajnath Singh said: “As far as candidature is concerned I would like to reiterate that he will remain our candidate. Of course, we will campaign for him.”

The confrontation between BJP and EC has even got personal when BJP Spokeperson Balbir Punj Yesterday told “We all know that the top election officer Navin Chawla and what sort of relations he has with Sonia Gandhi’s family.”
Later EC clarified its stand that the Tapes are authentic. Chief Election Commissionar N Gopalswamy said in Bhubaneshwar that “Tapes aren’t doctored,”