EC seeks report from state; orders security for Gujarat MLAs

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday sought a report from the Gujarat government over Congress’ allegation that the BJP was “engineering” defection of its MLAs ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.

An EC spokesperson said the Gujarat Chief Secretary has been asked to furnish a report to the poll panel in this context by the evening (5 pm) of July 31.

“The report has been sought on the allegation made in the memorandum submitted by the delegation of the Indian National Congress today (to the Commission),” the spokesperson said.

He added that the EC has also directed the state government to “ensure proper security to all the MLAs and their family members”.

The poll watchdog’s action came in the backdrop of the Congress party today petitioning it and demanding free and fair election to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat as it accused the BJP of misuse of power and authority.

A delegation of top Congress leaders met Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti and demanded setting up of a high-powered committee to inquire into Congress party’s charges of money power and muscle power and blatant abuse of government machinery to engineer defections and give a time-bound report.