Election Commission finds no fault with denial of Narendra Modi's rally

New Delhi: Under fierce BJP attack over denying permission for Narendra Modi’s rally in Varanasi, the Election Commission on Thursday rejected its accusations of bias and said it was clear it was “not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity” in doing its job. Chief election commissioner V.S. Sampath strongly defended the action of Varanasi’s returning officer Pranjal Yadav, and said his decision was based on “professional advice”, and ruled out his removal as sought by the BJP.

He said the RO denied permission for the rally on the “basis of professional advice” and there was no need for the commission to “deviate” from the advice. He outright rejected the BJP’s demand to remove Mr Yadav, who is also Varanasi district magistrate, and said: “As of today, we do not find the action faultworthy.” The CEC voiced disappointment over the BJP’s attack, saying “certain harsh and sweeping statements” were made, and urged political parties to “show greater maturity”.

Mr Sampath said the commission had discussed the matter with UP’s chief secretary and DGP, and said it was “not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity in discharging its duties”. He added: “The DM and his team took the decision taking into consideration relevant professional advice on security. Election Commission is the body created under the Constitution and one of the pillars of democracy. Constitution has given enough power to the commission to perform its duties boldly and impartially,” the CEC said, adding that it was enforcing electoral law, Model Code of Conduct, judiciously, rigorously and in non-partisan manner.

He said the commission has noticed that attacks on it are on the increase in recent days. “We have also taken note of certain rather harsh and sweeping allegations made against EC. Sometimes this had happened after some harsh measures were taken by the commission,” the CEC said.