Patna, Mar 26 : In an obvious reference to the row kicked up by Varun Gandhi, who has been accused of making inflammatory anti-Muslim remarks, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shatrughan Sinha has said that politicians should not hurt religious sentiments.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, Sinha said, "I believe that any public figure who arrives on the public platform, along with transparency and honesty, they should have a hold on the language they use, should be soft spoken and should not say anything that would affect or harm any caste, religious sentiment or groups."

Varun, who is the BJP candidate for the Pilibhit constituency in Uttar Pradesh, was accused of making inflammatory communal remarks at election meetings in his constituency on March 6.

However, he has claimed that the whole issue was a political conspiracy. He also claimed that the tape showing his alleged anti-Muslim remarks was doctored.

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Gandhi, charging him with violating the Model Code of Conduct.

While, the Delhi High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Varun, the Allahabad High Court has not, and therefore, there is a possibility of him being arrested today. (ANI)