BJP opposes Mayawati's demand to ban poll surveys

Varanasi, Apr 8 (UNI) Reacting sharply against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's demand of banning pre-poll surveys, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said ''no such ban was desirable in a democratic country like India.'' ''Demanding such a ban in a democratic country like India, which confers upon citizens the right to freedom of expression and speech is undesirable and surprising,'' former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu told mediapersons here.

''We are not in support of any ban on opinion and exit poll surveys as the BJP's interests are not influenced by such polls. We believe in waiting for the public mandate rather than worrying or relying upon opinion or exit polls,'' Mr Naidu maintained.

He further said if at all a ban on poll surveys is needed, the demand must come from all the political parties and not by any single outfit. ''The EC must take note of the aspirations of all political parties on this count,'' he added.

The BSP supremo had reportedly met the Chief Election Commissioner on Friday and demanded that all poll surveys be banned with immediate effect.

UNI