NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Tuesday banned BJP leader Giriraj Singh , who recently kicked up a storm by stating that those opposing Narendra Modi would have to shift base to Pakistan, from campaigning in Bihar and Jharkhand. Holding that his highly inflammatory speeches and media statements on April 18 at Bokaro and Deogarh promoted feelings of enmity and ill-will and were highly prejudicial to maintenance of harmony between religious communities and public tranquility, the Commission invoked its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to debar him from holding public meetings, rallies and roadshows across the two states.In a communication to the chief secretary of Jharkhand and Bihar, the EC held that Singh’s statements were in violation of Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Sections 153A, 153B, 171C, 295A and 505(2) of the IPC. "In view of this and with a view to ensure peace and tranquility during elections as well as a level playing field", the Commission directed that FIRs be filed against Singh and investigated quickly, permission be withheld for his public meetings, processions and rallies, and all preventive measures taken to rule out any act of commission or omission by him that can affect public tranquility and law and order.The Commission has sought a compliance report from the two states by 5pm on April 24.Though the ban will not make a difference to Singh’s own election in Nawada, as the polls there were over on April 10, this is for the first time in these Lok Sabha polls that a candidate has been restrained from campaigning. Though EC had earlier placed a similar ban on SP leader Azam Khan and BJP general secretary Amit Shah, neither of the two are contesting the polls. EC recently lifted the ban on Shah after he assured the poll body that he would abide by provisions of the model code.On Tuesday, the EC also issued a separate show-cause notice to Singh over his references to cow-slaughter and "go-to-Pakistan" remark. In its notice, the EC said his remarks prima facie violated provisions of the model code of conduct that restrain candidates from aggravating mutual hatred or making appeals to caste or communal feelings. It further said his statement on banishing Modi’s opponents to Pakistan amounted to intimidation of voters and was violative of sub para(1) of Para 1 of the model code.EC has directed Singh to explain his remarks by 5pm on April 24, failing which it would take a decision without further reference to him.Based on a report sent by Jharkhand CEO on April 21, the EC quoted Singh as saying in Deogarh: "At present, a subsidy is being doled out to those indulging in cow-slaughter, but those who rear cows are not getting any benefit. You have to decide whether to live with those who rear cows or those who slaughter them... Those looking to prevent Modi’s (rise to power) are headed for Pakistan. In the days to come, there will no place for such people in India or Jharkhand…They will have to go to Pakistan".He subsequently issued a similar statement in Bokaro on April 18.The EC notice to Singh comes even as BJP has distanced itself from his remarks. Early on Tuesday, Modi tweeted his disapproval of "petty statements by those claiming to be BJP's well- wishers", stating that these were "deviating the campaign from the issues of development and good governance"."I disapprove (of) any such irresponsible statements and appeal to those making them to kindly refrain from doing so," Modi tweeted without taking any names.