Congress workers protest outside EC headquarters

Congress workers today protested outside the Election Commission headquarters here alleging that it is adopting "double standards" and not following the principle of neutrality while dealing with the Congress and the BJP.

Members of the Congress' women wing raised slogans against the poll body and carried placards demanding action against the prime minister and other BJP leaders for allegedly violating the model code of conduct in Gujarat.

Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev, who led the protest, alleged that "the EC is showing leniency and different standards for the BJP, but is initiating action against the Congress leaders".

"This is not fair for the poll body, as it should act in the same manner against the prime minister and the BJP for violating the law. The same standards and the law should apply to all, irrespective of one's party," she told PTI.

She said the Congress has already given evidence to the EC over prime minister's appeals made on December 8 and 9 when the campaigning had ended and the EC should also issue a notice.

Police had set up barricades to stop the protesters, who were briefly detained.