EC rejects BJP's charge of bias to Modi rally in Varanasi

“The Commission does not accept insinuation of inaction or bias in this regard. As in all matters, the Commission will act correctly while facilitating legitimate campaigning by all political parties,” he said referring to BJP's allegation of bias.

BJP mounted a sharp attack on the Election Commission accusing it of being a “mute spectator” to the “highly partisan” role of Varanasi Returning Officer Pranjal Yadav who cited an intelligence report of possible communal tension for his action.

The crowded Veeniya Bagh locality of Varanasi, where BJP sought permission for Modi's rally, has a record of communal tension and law order incidents were feared. The BJP insists it will hold Modi's rally only in this place and not elsewhere.