CPI slams BJP, Narendra Modi for targeting Election Commission

The Communist Party of India on Friday came down heavily on BJP and Narendra Modi on their attack against the Election Commission, saying it could have "far-reaching implication" on the functioning of constitutional bodies and reflected the saffron party's desperation.

"The spat between BJP and the EC is a serious issue which will have far-reaching implication about the functions of constitutional bodies in the country. By this time, it is clear that BJP has become very desperate," the CPI Central Secretariat said in a statement.

It said BJP was trying to "use anything to politicise and to polarise the people and create tense situation. It shamelessly uses caste card out of context which is also highly objectionable."

Noting that political parties have a right to protest on the poll panel's actions if they felt these were unjustified, CPI said the parties "cannot blackmail the Election Commission", a constitutional body which draws power from the Constitution to conduct free and fair elections.

"But what BJP has done in protesting against the EC and the way Modi has challenged it is not acceptable and is really condemnable," it said, adding that constitutional bodies like the EC should work without any fear or favour to discharge their responsibilities.

Modi had on Thursday launched an all-out war on the poll panel accusing it of working "under pressure" and showing bias against him. He also took out a roadshow defying prohibitory orders in Varanasi.

This drew sharp condemnation from Congress and JD(U) which dubbed the criticism as "outrageous and unjustified" and an indication of its "desperation".