Ashok Gehlot alleges ECI of deliberately withholding Gujarat Assembly poll dates

Surat: Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan and a prominent member of the Congress, claimed on Saturday that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is "intentionally" delaying the declaration of the dates for the Gujarat Assembly elections so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give speeches at more and more events and open or dedicate projects in the state to win over voters.

However, at the same time, he also said that election dates are likely to be announced soon, for which the Congress party and workers are ready and reaching out to all sections of society, IANS reported.

Addressing media persons here, he challenged the BJP government to restore the old pension scheme for government employees as the Rajasthan government did.

If the Congress comes to power in Gujarat, it will implement all the good schemes in the state too, he claimed.

He condemned the Gujarat government's action of arresting Congress workers who protested with black flags during the Prime Minister's visit to Surat and arrested them under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA).

Taking a jibe at the BJP-ruled Gujarat government, the Congress leader said, "Showing black flag or protesting is a crime in Gujarat."