Hyderabad police book BJP MLA Raja Singh for his ‘bulldozer’ remarks

EC also banned Mr. Singh from holding any public meetings, processions, rallies, road shows, interviews and public utterances in the media in connection with the ongoing elections for 72 hours

Goshamahal’s BJP legislator Thakur Raja Singh was booked by Mangalhat police of Hyderabad for allegedly threatening the voters of Uttar Pradesh with his ‘bulldozer’ remarks. 

As Mr. Singh did not respond to the show-cause notice issued by the Election Commission of India, it directed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana to lodge a complaint against the Saffron party leader under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Representation of the People Act. 

Following EC’s directions, in-charge CEO Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyothi gave a complaint to the Director General of Police, who in-turn referred it to Mangalhat police. Based on the complaint, Mangalhat police registered a case under Sections 505-II, 171-C r/w 171-F of the IPC and 123 and 125 of RP Act, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West zone) D. Joel Davis told The Hindu.

The EC also banned Mr. Singh from holding any public meetings, processions, rallies, road shows, interviews and public utterances in the media in connection with the ongoing elections for 72 hours from 6 p.m. on February 19. 

“Now, therefore, the Commission, without prejudice to any Order/Notice issued or to be issued in the matter, hereby, deplores the impugned statements made by Sh. T. Raja Singh, Member of Telangana Legislative Assembly from Bharatiya Janata Party and censures him for the above said violation,” the official order read.

A viral video showed Mr. Singh threatening the U.P. voters with dire consequences if they vote against Yogi Adityanath’s government.

“Yogi ji has already mobilised thousands of bulldozers and JCBs and they are on the way to Uttar Pradesh. I’m sure you know what JCBs and bulldozers are used for,” the MLA said.