The Election Commission has censured BJP leader Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan
for their controversial remarks during the poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh.

The Commission's decision came days after it banned the two leaders from campaigning in the state during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, for their hate speeches.

In separate orders to Shah and Khan, the Commission said that both have made highly provocative speeches which have the impact of aggravating existing differences or creating mutual hatred between different communities. Going through their reply to its notice , the poll body condemned their remarks and said the statements made by them are a clear violation of the model code of conduct.

Expressing displeasure, the Commission also warned Congress leader Beni Prasad Verma for his remarks against BJP leader Narendra Modi in the state and asked him not to repeat the same in future.