EC seeks report on Modi's complaint about chopper delay

Jammu, April 3: Election Commission has sought a factual report from Ministry of Civil Aviation on the complaint by BJP with regard to Delhi Airport not granting prompt permission to Narendra Modi's helicopter for taking off due to which he was late for his rally in Bareilly on April 1.

"That complaint has been received by the election authority. We have already asked for a factual report from Civil Aviation Ministry. Definitely further action will be taken," Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said today.

Sampath, who reviewed the overall arrangements of Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir during his one-day visit here, was replying to question of mediapersons on various subjects including Modi's chopper issue.

To another question about releasing of BJP manifesto on the day of first phase of LS elections in the country, he said "No, there is no such restriction." Asked what action EC has taken with regard to fake and bogus votes being prepared in Haryana and Delhi by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and agents as exposed in a sting operation, he said, "The Election Commission has taken cognisance of it. We are concerned more than anyone else about the purity of the elections."

The CEC further said, "Those employees against whom prima facie evidence has been proved, have been placed under suspension. Investigation has also been started regarding any fake name."

"It is not clear whether it is a prospective action or they have already done it, but still all those will be reviewed. Wherever such wrong names have been included, we will take all measures to prevent them from voting," he said.

PTI