Returning officer working under govt pressure: BJP

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 25

The BJP today alleged that the election returning officer of the Haridwar City Assembly constituency is working under the pressure of the state government with regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally here on February 10.

BJP Assembly election in charge Vikas Tiwari today said he had applied for permission for the rally of the Prime Minister at the Rishikul ground. All administration officials were aware of the rally and the police had conducted a mock drill on February 9 to take stock of security preparations.

“Now, the returning officer and some administration officials are saying that no permission was sought for the rally. But then how all arrangements were made or allowed to be made. We had applied for permission for the rally and it seems under the Congress pressure these officials are now making false statements due to which the Election Commission has registered a complaint against us. Permission for all election campaign rallies were sought in advance and we followed the model code of conduct in letter and in spirit,” said Tiwari.

The party is filing a complaint with the Central Election Commissioner to urge him to intervene in the matter as the image of the BJP and the Prime Minister is being maligned, said Kamani Sadana, women city wing leader.