 "Denial of permission to Modi's rally is on 'basis of professional advice': EC")
The Election Commission today justified the decision to deny permission to Narendra Modi's rally in Varanasi city and came to the defence of the District Magistrate whose removal is being demanded by the BJP.
Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference here in the wake of protests by BJP over denial of permission, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said the EC was disappointed over questions being raised by BJP leaders over its functioning and "certain harsh and sweeping statements" made.
Sampath said the District Magistrate had denied the permission to the rally proposed to be held today on the "basis of professional advice" and there was no need to "deviate" from it.
"When the security and suitability issues are involved, the Election Commission naturally will go by the professional advice taken at the district level," said the CEC, flanked by other two Election Commissioners.
"The competent local authority, the DM and his team, took the decision taking into consideration relevant professional advice on security," he said.
"There is no reason to deviate from the decision taken at the district level, specially when the issue of life and security are concerned," Sampath said, in effect rejecting BJP's demand for removal of the DM who was accused of being partisan.
Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference here in the wake of protests by BJP over denial of permission, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said the EC was disappointed over questions being raised by BJP leaders over its functioning and "certain harsh and sweeping statements" made.
Sampath said the District Magistrate had denied the permission to the rally proposed to be held today on the "basis of professional advice" and there was no need to "deviate" from it.
"When the security and suitability issues are involved, the Election Commission naturally will go by the professional advice taken at the district level," said the CEC, flanked by other two Election Commissioners.
"The competent local authority, the DM and his team, took the decision taking into consideration relevant professional advice on security," he said.
"There is no reason to deviate from the decision taken at the district level, specially when the issue of life and security are concerned," Sampath said, in effect rejecting BJP's demand for removal of the DM who was accused of being partisan.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%