Election Commission on Monday barred Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati from campaigning for communal remarks, the poll body said in a statement. While Adityanath was barred for 72 hours, Mayawati has been barred for 48 hours, separate EC orders said.

The two have also been "censured".

Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found.

Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut. He compared the Lok Sabha elections to a contest between 'Ali', a revered figure in Islam, and Bajrang Bali, the Hindu god Hanuman.

Taking note of the alleged hate speeches made by Mayawati and Adityanath during poll campaigns, the Supreme Court had on Monday sought to know from the Election Commission about the action initiated against them.

The orders barring Adityanath and Mayawati from campaigning for 72 hours and 48 hours, respectively, will come into effect from 6 am on Tuesday.

First Published:Apr 15, 2019 2:53 PM IST