NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday complained to the Election Commission about a joint appeal by the Kul Hind Olmai Hind and the head of the Darul-Uloom Deoband asking "Muslim voters" to beware "the communal BJP and cast their votes in favour of secularism, represented by the Congress," in the ongoing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP's letter described the appeal as a "fatwa" (decree), asking the Muslims to defeat the BJP in the name of religion. The appeal, it said, was given wide publicity in newspapers in the State.

The BJP charged that the Congress got the "fatwa" issued to get the Muslims to vote for it. This was against the provisions of the Representation of the People Act of 1951 and violative of the model code of conduct.

Seeking "immediate punitive action against the Congress," the BJP pointed out that its conduct would create hatred and ill will among various sections in the name of religion. The BJP denied the allegation that it was communal.

Samajwadi Party's CD?

Separately, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said a compact disc, ostensibly distributed in and around Muzaffarnagar by the Samajwadi Party was "provocative and communally volatile." The CD, Khaufnak katl, Bhajpa ki Maya (Gruesome murder, BJP's Maya), attacked the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Congress and the BJP, and praised the SP. Thus it was clear who was behind the circulationof the CD, he said.

The CD reportedly attacks BSP leader Mayawati, suggesting that her links with the BJP should not be ignored as she became Chief Minister thrice with its support. The sleeve shows the hanging of the former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and Ms. Mayawati speaking from a podium decorated with the BJP's lotus symbol.

"We demand that the Election Commission investigate this CD, and take action against those responsible for its production and distribution," Mr. Javadekar said.

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