Click to play videoNew Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami has made it clear that the onus of proving that the video CD - containing the inflammatory hate speech by BJP's Varun Gandhi - was tampered with, rests with Varun himself.
"We have seen the videos. It is for Varun to prove that it has been tampered with. The question of disqualification arises only when nomination starts," N Gopalaswami said.
Varun has applied for anticipatory bail in the criminal case slapped on him. Two more cases have also been filed against him in Pilibhit for distributing money.
The BJP has already said that his remarks don't have the party's approval. At the time the comments were made, Varun had not been given the official BJP symbol.
However, the young Gandhi has himself remained defiant saying the CD has been doctored with. He has time till 11:00 hrs on Friday morning to reply to the Election Commission's (EC) notice.
The EC, meanwhile, has ordered extensive video coverage of campaigns in Bengal. District Magistrates have been asked to keep pictures and the video footage in their custody.
Varun, the 29-year-old son of five-time Pilibhit MP Maneka Gandhi, has created a storm by adopting a fanatical pro-Hindu stance in his speeches.
An unfazed Varun Gandhi asserted on Wednesday that he was a "Gandhi, a Hindu and an Indian" and insisted that the CD showing him making inflammatory speeches was doctored.
The poll panel served notices to Varun Gandhi, BJP President Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh BJP Chief Ramapati Ram Tripathi to explain why they "disregarded and violated the provisions of the model code of conduct".
Asked about the action taken by the commission against Varun Gandhi and the BJP, Gopalaswami said: "Regarding Varun we have already taken action against him. As far as BJP is concerned, we will decide when they reply to our notice."
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