Gujarat Polls 2017: Shiv Sena says futile to register complaint on EVM scams with the 'BJP-sponsored Election Commission'

The Shiv Sena has launched its fresh attack on the BJP as it accused its NDA ally of stooping to a low level in the run-up to Gujarat elections.

The Sena said the poll speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi don’t mention the development issue instead PM Modi had belittled himself by claiming that suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks against him had insulted the pride of Gujarat.

"Modi has belittled himself. We consider Modi as the pride of the country and Hindus, but he is now chained by the Gujarat asmita (pride)," the Sena said in an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana.

"In Gujarat elections, Modi is less of a national and more of a regional (leader)," it said. 

Mentioning the alleged rigging of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) the Sena said it was futile to register a complaint on the EVM scams with the BJP-sponsored Election Commission.

The Sena said the Gujarat poll campaign should have been focused on the much-touted development plank but that point was missing from the prime minister's speeches in Gujarat, it said.

“In his home state, the prime minister was sometimes emotional and sometimes aggressive in election speeches,” the Sena said.

"This is the state which gave us this prime minister and where the BJP has ruled for 22 years. Why should BJP stoop to such a low level during an election campaign?" it asked.

"As is the tradition, EVM scams have been unearthed in Gujarat. It is futile to register a complaint on these scams with the BJP-sponsored Election Commission," the Sena said.

The editorial said the quality of election campaign has declined due to the BJP.0

The Sena also wondered why top BJP leaders were campaigning in Gujarat against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi when it is believed that his elevation as party chief has made it easy for the BJP to win the polls.

"It is said the BJP's victory in Gujarat has become easy due to Rahul Gandhi's elevation in Congress. If that is the case, why are the prime minister, BJP national president and all Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states campaigning against him?" it asked.

"People in the country are puzzled over this," the Sena added.