BJP showdown with EC over Modi rally in Varanasi

BJP today got into a full-blown confrontation with the Election Commission after Narendra Modi was denied permission for holding a public meeting at a venue of its choice and announced protests while cancelling all his programmes here tomorrow.
The party demanded immediate removal of Varanasi Returning Officer and District Magistrate Pranjal Yadav who late in the night said he has given the nod to four of the five events for which BJP sought permission. The party, however, rejected the gesture saying it came too late in the day.
The BJP mounted a blistering attack on the Election Commission accusing it of being a "mute spectator" to the "highly partisan" role of the Returning Officer who cited an intelligence report of a possible communal tension for his action.

The Election Commission, however, rejected BJP's charges saying it does not accept insinuation of inaction or bias and promised action against any officer acting partisan.
Jaitley, who has been camping here, will along with Amit Shah and other leaders stage a sit-in here tomorrow morning while protests will also be held outside the Election Commission in Delhi.
On a day Modi was denied permission, Congress sources said Rahul Gandhi will hold a roadshow here on May 10, returning the compliment to Modi for his rally in Amethi on Monday. An application has been filed with poll authorities.

Jaitley wrote three missives to the Election Commission questioning whether the EC was acquiescing to the conduct of the Returning Officer.

In his fourth letter, he announced the party's intention to call off all Modi's programmes in the temple city except a visit to the main office after his rally in Rohaniya on the outskirts.
"Under the circumstances, BJP would not be organising any of the three functions in Varanasi tomorrow.
"We will be holding a protest both in Varanasi and in front of your office at 11 am tomorrow. For that action, we do not require your permission.
"Narendra Modi when he arrives in Varanasi city, will be going to the election office and then to the airport. He will be in his unusual motorcade," Jaitley said.

In his letter, Jaitley said that even if the permission is now granted at this late hour, there was no opportunity to advertise the rally.
"Under these circumstances, BJP would not be organising any of the three functions in Varanasi tomorrow," he said.