"Can any commission be above the Supreme Court. The Election Commission has a misunderstanding that its arbitrary powers can't be challenged in any court," the Samajwadi Party leader, who was banned along with Shah on April 11 from campaigning in the state for allegedly making provocative speeches, said at a press conference in Rampur.
The EC, however, on Thursday allowed Shah to campaign in UP after he assured the poll body that he would not disturb the public tranquility and law and order. Asking why he was not given similar relief, Azam told mediapersons, "A criminal, an assailant and a murderer of humanity, whose entry into Gujarat has been banned by the Supreme Court, availed freedom to campaign whereas the voice of a person whose entire community is a victim and who has a spotless character has been crushed".\]
Accusing the EC of acting at the behest of the Congress and "ignoring the high ideals and impartial practices as provided in the Constitution", he said, "I shall approach the apex court and believe I will get justice".
"The action of the Commission reeks of undeclared Emergency.... I don't know what the EC wants from me. It punished me without considering my reply. They have committed a huge legal blunder in my matter," he said and called himself a "victim".
Meanwhile, supporters of Azam, wearing black badges, staged a march in front of Jama Masjid here raising slogans against the Commission.
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