Batla House Youth Residents’ Forum issued a notice through a lawyer Sitab Ali Chaudhary to BJP leader VK Malhotra on his recent remark that Jamia Nagar and Batla House was “hub of terrorists”. They seek apology from the senior BJP leader. They said that his remarks are highly objectionable and offensive to the Muslim community. They accused Malhotra of spreading hatred, tension and disrupting communal harmony by making such irresponsible remarks. Mr. Malhotra made this deliberate attempt to get votes from the majority community in the next General Elections.
They demanded the BJP leadership to take action against him to expel from the party if found guilty. It has been mentioned in the notice that by making such irresponsible remarks has not only violated the Model Code of Conduct but has also committed various offences under the IPC which entail a maximum punishment of three years. He has committed an offence under section 153 (promoting hostility between different religious group), 295A (a deliberate and malicious attempt intended to outrage religious feeling of any group by insulting its religion). In the said notice a threat has been given that if Mr. Malhotra fails offer an unconditional apology or if BJP leadership refuses to take any disciplinary action against him, the residents of Batla house would register a criminal offence case with the Delhi police against him.
It may be noted that Central Election Commission has also sought an explanation from Mr. Malhotra on his objectionable remark which were reported in the media.
Since his comment had a communal tinge which is in violation model code of conduct for elections. Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Ankur Garg said that necessary action would be taken on receiving the explanation of Mr. Malhotra.