EC drops case against BJP office in Varanasi

The Election Commission on Sunday directs that the material seized from a vehicle at the BJP office in Varanasi be released and also dropped further action in the case

Varanasi: The Election Commission Sunday directed that the material seized from a vehicle at the BJP office in Varanasi be released and also dropped further action in the case.

Narendra Modi waves to his supporters outside BJP office in Varanasi. File pic

In a statement, the Election Commission said: "On receipt of a complaint, a flying squad checked a vehicle at the office of the BJP in Varanasi. After obtaining a report from a special observer and after finding that no irregularity has taken place, the commission has directed the release of the material and drop further action."

Uttar Pradesh Police and election commission officials Sunday conducted a search at the Bharatiya Janata Party's regional office in the city and seized campaign material, triggering protest from the party.

A police flying squad and poll panel officials had conducted the seizure amid a ban on all election campaign activities.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley voiced his anger in a tweet: "BJP's office in Varanasi raided and only a small amount of campaign material found. Why was only one party singled out for such a raid?"

The party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Ajay Rai among others in Varanasi.

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