 "Neither bias nor afraid of anyone: EC")
Unfazed by BJP's all-out attack, the Election Commission today rejected its accusations of bias in denying permission to Narendra Modi's rally in Varanasi and made it clear that it was "not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity" in doing its job.
At a hurriedly-called press conference here, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath strongly defended the action of Varanasi Returning Officer Pranjal Yadav, saying his decision was based on "professional advice" and ruled out his removal as demanded by the BJP.
Flanked by other two Election Commissioners, Sampath expressed disappointment over BJP's attack, saying "certain harsh and sweeping statements" were made and political parties to "show greater maturity".
Sampath said the Returning Office, who is the District Magistrate of Varanasi, had denied permission to the rally proposed to be held today on the "basis of professional advice" and there was no need for the EC 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," the CEC said responding to attacks by BJP which staged protests here and in Varanasi.
"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.
Effectively rejecting BJP's demand for removal of the DM who was accused of being partisan, he said, "as of today, we do not find the action faultworthy".
He asserted that the Commission is "not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity in discharging its duties".
At a hurriedly-called press conference here, Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath strongly defended the action of Varanasi Returning Officer Pranjal Yadav, saying his decision was based on "professional advice" and ruled out his removal as demanded by the BJP.
Flanked by other two Election Commissioners, Sampath expressed disappointment over BJP's attack, saying "certain harsh and sweeping statements" were made and political parties to "show greater maturity".
Sampath said the Returning Office, who is the District Magistrate of Varanasi, had denied permission to the rally proposed to be held today on the "basis of professional advice" and there was no need for the EC 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," the CEC said responding to attacks by BJP which staged protests here and in Varanasi.
"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.
Effectively rejecting BJP's demand for removal of the DM who was accused of being partisan, he said, "as of today, we do not find the action faultworthy".
He asserted that the Commission is "not afraid of anyone, any political party or any entity in discharging its duties".
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%