Congress leaders guilty of breaking EC rules: BJP

New Delhi - After an First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi for violating the Model Code of Conduct during a road show in Kanpur, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Congress leaders are often found guilty of breaking the Election Commission's rules.

"The Congress leaders have developed the habit of violating the Model Code of Conduct, which can not be allowed for anyone. The way earlier two leaders and now Rahul Gandhi have broken the code; during polls the rules should be adhered to and more strict action against the violators should be taken," Hussain told media here.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh said Gandhi had not violated any code.

"Road shows are a means to connect with the people and the Kanpur administration was aware of this event since February 17. We informed them about the road show and did not intend to seek permission, as it was not needed since it was not a procession or public meeting," he said.

"So, only an informative message was sent to them. We received no hindrance regarding the event since the evening of February 17th till the night of February 19. The Superintendent of Police and the rest of the administration helped us in deciding the route and gave permission for it, after which our programme was formed," he added.

On Monday, Kanpur District Magistrate Hari Om said that a case has been filed against Rahul Gandhi and city Congress chief Mahesh Dikshit under Section 188 of the IPC for violating prohibitory orders (Section 144) imposed in the city and under Sections 283 (danger or obstruction in public way) and 290 (public nuisance).

"The permission for the road show as requested by the Congress party was denied. They were allowed to do the road show on an alternate route, which they violated, and hence we have filed an FIR against the organiser and Rahul Gandhi at the cantonment police station," Hari Om added

The Uttar Pradesh polls are being viewed as an opportunity for major political parties to re-establish their foothold in the country's fifth largest and most populous state.
 
A new 403-member state assembly will be elected in March. The poll results will broadly indicate trends for the 2014 general elections.