Cong for EC intervention, accuses govt. of luring voters before polls

The Congress Party on Monday alleged that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's habit to lure the voters ahead of the elections and urged the Election Commission to take appropriate action in this regard.

Asserting that the Election Commission always abides by its constitutional duty, Congress leader Ajoy Kumar said, "It is their (Modi govt.) habit to lure the public before any elections, the EC should take stringent action."

The Congress leader emphasized that the presentation of Union Budget before the polls may influence the voters and said the people have lost hope in the BJP-led NDA government.

The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition, which sought postponement of the Union Budget from February 1 on the grounds of upcoming Assembly elections in five states.

A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud junked the plea, which claimed that the Union Budget would violate the Model Code of Conduct in poll-bound states.

"There is no illustration to support that presentation of Union Budget would influence voters' mind in state elections," the apex court said.