Varun faces 'threat for speaking as true Indian'

New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi Monday said he was facing a 'threat for speaking as a true Indian against terrorism', and asked the Election Commission to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade his security.

'IB (Intelligence Bureau) reports have disclosed a threat to my safety. Apparently, I am being targeted for speaking out as a true Indian against terrorism,' Varun Gandhi wrote to the poll panel.

'Accordingly, there has been a request to the Uttar Pradesh government for an urgent review and upgrade of my security arrangements (during) the elections when I will be campaigning within the state,' he said.

He said: 'Petty political considerations seem to have come in the way of even this routine procedure'.

'I am, therefore, bringing the matter to your (poll panel's) attention so that you may direct the same to (ward off) any untoward incident that would disrupt the electoral process.'

Two days after the Supreme Court released him from jail on parole, Varun Gandhi Saturday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of political vendetta and requested the poll commission to transfer two top officials in Pilibhit constituency of Uttar Pradesh where he is to contest the election.

Varun Gandhi, who was in jail for his reported hate speeches against Muslims.

He was charged under the National Security Act (NSA) and arrested March 28 for making inflammatory remarks against Muslims.