 "BJP's protest against EC is part of strategy, violating poll code: Congress")
Commenting on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decision to stage a protest against the Election Commission in Varanasi and Delhi, the Congress on Thursday said the former has proved that it does not respect constitutional bodies.
"This protest is a part of their strategy which included violating the model code of conduct. The BJP is proving again that it does not respect constitutional bodies," said Congress spokesman Meem Afzal.
"Modi has done around 400 meetings and no one had stopped them from doing them. If he is not given permission for one rally, then it should not be a big deal. Many times people had already booked some place in advance. If he is the prime ministerial candidate, then it does not mean that others bookings are cancelled just for his sake," he added.
"They were given a permission, but if they refuse it, and instead, choose to protest. I want to warn people that it might be their intention to cause unrest in that area through their protest," he said.
The BJP is outraged after the Varanasi District administration denied permission to Modi for holding one of the two rallies in Varanasi on Thursday.
The party will protest in Varanasi and Delhi against the decision. BJP leader Arun Jaitley, along with Amit Shah, will lead the protest in Varanasi.
The BJP had sought permission to organise five events which included a rally by Modi in Beniya Bagh ground in Varanasi.
Modi is contesting from the holy city of Varanasi that will go to polls in the last phase of elections on May 12.
BJP senior leader Arun Jaitley called the move as unprecedented, and said it was a deliberate interference in conducting free and fair polls in the world's largest democracy.
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