Congress complains to poll panel over Gujarat BJP's meeting at Vijay Rupani's official residence

The Gujarat Congress on Monday alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party violated the model code of conduct by holding a meeting of the party's State Parliamentary Board at Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's official residence. Congress has lodged a complaint in this regard with the Election Commission. Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Murali Krishna has ordered an inquiry into the matter after receiving the complaint. The BJP, however, rejected the opposition’s charge.

"We have received the complaint. We will conduct an inquiry into the issue," Mr Krishna told news agency PTI.

Gujarat BJP president Jitu Vaghani told reporters the gathering does not violate any rules.

"We have to also take care of the CM's security. Arranging such meetings at CM's residence is an old tradition.

"Party leaders are only doing brainstorming here. We have not arranged any political rally or engaged in any poll campaigning here," he said in Gandhinagar.

In its complaint, the Congress alleged the CM's official residence in Gandhinagar is a government property and no political activity is permitted from a government premises when the model code of conduct is in force.

Polling for all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on April 23. The model code of conduct came into force when the poll schedule was announced on March 10.

The ruling party is holding a three-day meeting of the State Parliamentary Board at Mr Rupani's official residence to prepare a panel of probable candidates for all the 26 seats.

The names, being shortlisted with help from state BJP observers and Rupani, will be sent to the Central Parliamentary Board which is likely to announce the final candidates after March 25.