BJP’s Joy Banerjee apologises for his EC comment

 Actor-turned BJP leader Joy Banerjee on Wednesday apologised for his controversial remark that “Election Commission is in our hands” and said he uttered the words in over-<g data-gr-id="20">enthusiam</g> and believed that the CEC is the protector and pillar of democracy.

Banerjee’s apology followed his visit to the state chief electoral officer, accompanied by BJP state president Rahul Sinha, after the EC asked party president Amit Shah to explain by September 25 Banerjee’s remark that the poll panel was now under the party’s control.

“Sir, I believe that the CEC is the protector of democracy and the pillar of democracy. Hence, I apologise for the words I uttered in over-<g data-gr-id="21">enthusiam</g> and beg you to pardon me. Let me tell <g data-gr-id="24"><g data-gr-id="23">you</g> sir</g> I am neither <g data-gr-id="22">a office-bearer</g> nor any executive of the BJP state committee,” Banerjee said in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner through state CEO.

“In that meeting, I tried to say that the Assembly elections would be by CEC and would be impartial and free from <g data-gr-id="19">rigging</g>. But because of my non-selection of words it came out otherwise,” Banerjee said.

 “He (Banerjee) does not have much experience. It was his slip of <g data-gr-id="18">tongue</g>. BJP has full respect for democracy and democratic institutions,” Sinha said.