Sakshi Maharaj booked for controversial remarks

Meerut: BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj was on Saturday booked for allegedly hurting religious feelings after he indirectly blamed Muslims for the population growth in the country that sparked a controversy, days after Supreme Court outlawed seeking votes in the name of religion or caste.
As the outburst by the MP from Unnao in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh drew strong condemnation from opposition parties, the BJP distanced itself from the comments made at a 'sant sammelan' here on Friday while the Election Commission sought a report from Meerut district administration.
The FIR was registered under IPC sections 298 (Uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class) and 153b (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national- integration) among others, police said.
Superintendent of Police Meerut J. Ravinder Goud said the FIR was registered at Sadar Bazar police station.
Congress said it will file a complaint against Sakshi Maharaj before the Election Commission.
"Those with four wives and 40 children are responsible for the population increase in the country. Hindus are not responsible for the increase in population," he said.
"Strict laws are required in this country if we really want to curb population. Parties need to rise above politics and take decision for the sake of the country," he added.
Congress leader K.C. Mittal said Sakshi Maharaj's speech is "offensive" as it is based on caste and religion and goes against the recent Supreme Court judgement.
"It is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and Congress is officially filing a complaint against him in the Election Commission," he said.
Condemning the comments, Janata Dal-United leader K. C. Tyagi termed them as the first major violation of the Supreme Court guidelines outlined on Monday on use of religion in politics.
"Recently the Supreme Court and the Chief Election Commission laid down some guidelines for Model Code of Conduct, including not to use religion, caste and language. This is the first major violation by a major political party that is BJP, by its MP. Now action must be taken by the party as well as the Election Commission against Sakshi Maharaj.
"They are making derogatory comments against one section of the society. This is violation of Model Code of Conduct to incite one section against another. And this is a criminal act," he said.