EC stays Nitish's 'Badh Chala Bihar' campaign

In a setback to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state Election Commission (EC) on Saturday stayed the high tech 'Badh Chala Bihar' campaign after a complaint by the BJP.

The BJP had alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct for the biennial elections to the legislative council and misuse of government funds and resources.

The state EC has directed the state government to stop the 'Badh Chala Bihar' campaign immediately, an official of the commission said.

"The SEC has put a stay on 'Badh Chala Bihar' campaign till July 10 as the legislative council elections for 24 seats will be held July 7," officials said.

BJP spokesperson Vinod Narain Jha has welcomed the stay.

"Nitish Kumar was violating the Model Code of Conduct through Badh Chala Bihar' campaign," he said.

The BJP had last Thursday lodged a complaint in this connection.

In the complaint, Leader of Opposition Nand Kishore Yadav of the Bharatiya Janata Party had said that Nitish Kumar and his government were misusing government funds and resources to ensure victory.