EC drops case against BJP office in Varanasi

The Election Commission Sunday directed that the material seized from a vehicle at the BJP office in Varanasi be released and also dropped further action in the case.

In a statement, the poll panel said: "On receipt of a complaint, a flying squad checked a vehicle at the office of the BJP in Varanasi. After obtaining a report from a special observer and after finding that no irregularity has taken place, the commission has directed the release of the material and to drop further action."

Uttar Pradesh Police and commission officials had on Sunday conducted a search at the Bharatiya Janata Party's regional office in Varanasi and seized poll campaign material, triggering protest from the party.

A police flying squad and poll panel officials had conducted the seizure amid a ban on all election campaign activities.

BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal and Ajay Rai of the Congress, among others, in Varanasi.