Opposition slams 'inaction' by EC, says it has failed to uphold constitutional mandate

New Delhi, Dec 14 : Opposition parties on Thursday strongly criticised the Election Commission over its "inaction" regarding alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat and said the "attitude" of the poll body has cast an "ominous shadow" on its "credibility".

In a statement issued by opposition parties after they meet here at Parliament House to chalk out the strategy for the winter session beginning on Friday, they said, "The opposition parties strongly criticised the violation of model code of conduct by Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues during the Gujarat elections and on the day of polling when he held a road show in Ahmedabad.

"Inaction of the Election Commission is indeed shocking as it has failed to uphold its constitutional mandate under Article 324," the statement read.

The meeting of the opposition leaders was attended by Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, SP's Naresh Agrawal, CPI's D. Raja, TMC's Derek O'Brien, NCP's Tariq Anwar and RJD's J.P. Yadav. 

The opposition leaders said that instead of taking action for violations, the poll panel has allowed violations by the ruling BJP and been indulgent in allowing the Prime Minister to dedicate the submarine 'Kalvari' on the day of the poll.

"These actions directly influence the voters to the advantage of the BJP, the ruling party.

"This attitude of the EC has cast an ominous shadow on the credibility of the EC and the integrity of the electoral process," it said.

The opposition party leaders also expressed their disappointment and outrage over the "hasty decision" to disqualify Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar from the membership of Rajya Sabha, "without following due process".

"The decision is unfair and unjust," the leaders said.

The opposition parties will meet again on Monday to chalk out the strategy for the winter session.