Sultanpur: The Election Commission has served a show-cause notice on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur on Thursday. A 3-minute clip of her Sultanpur speech is being shared on social media.

Gandhi had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency was certain “with or without” the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they would need to get their works done once the BJP was in power. She was seen on camera telling a gathering of Muslims to vote for her or else she may not be inclined to be responsive to their requests.

“You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word,” she had said while addressing an election rally.

BR Tiwari, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, said the poll panel had taken cognisance of the matter. “District Magistrate, Sultanpur, has issued a show-cause notice to her and a report has been sent to the EC,” he said.

However, Maneka Gandhi said that her remarks had been twisted.

“I had called a meeting of our minority cell. If you read my complete speech, the media is quoting that one sentence out of context,” she said.

The Congress termed Gandhi’s statement scandalous. Party leader Randeep Surjewala said should be a strict action and that the minister should be sacked for her remarks and for “dividing people”.

Maneka is contesting from Sultanpur, and her son Varun Gandhi is contesting from Pilibhit.

  Election Commission, Lok Sabha elections 2019, Maneka Gandhi, Sultanpur