BJP pressurising returning officers: GPP

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Parivartan Party today accused the BJP of “pressurising” returning officers in the poll-bound state while terming as baseless the allegations levelled by the ruling party that the Keshubhai Patel-led party has flouted Election Commission norms. “BJP was trying to pressurise returning officers (ROs) appointed by the EC after the model code of conduct came into force. ROs are being pressurised to reject nomination papers of GPP candidates,” alleged party senior vice-president Suresh Mehta.[caption id=“attachment_538402” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  GPP president Keshubhai Patel. AFP[/caption] GPP was founded by former chief minister and BJP rebel Keshubhai Patel. Mehta was reacting to the complaint filed by BJP with the Election Commission on Tuesday alleging that GPP candidates have “violated” the EC instructions and not be allowed to fight the polls using bat as poll symbol. Terming as “condemnable” the allegations levelled by BJP, Mehta said, “BJP is frustrated as GPP is firming up its position in Saurashtra region.” Talking to reporters, he said, “Firstly, the BJP contended that GPP would not get registration and then raised an issue regarding its symbol. Now that GPP has got the symbol, BJP is spreading its frustration through media by levelling allegations.” Mehta said the GPP has appealed to EC to ensure free and fair conduct of polls to be held in two phases on 13 and 17 December. PTI