"BJP was trying to pressurise Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by the EC after the model code of conduct came into force. ROs are being pressurised to reject nomination papers of GPP candidates," alleged party senior vice-president Suresh Mehta.
GPP was founded by former chief minister and BJP rebel Keshubhai Patel.
Mehta was reacting to the complaint filed by BJP with the Election Commission yesterday alleging that GPP candidates have "violated" the EC instructions and not be allowed to fight the polls using bat as poll symbol.
Terming as "condemnable" the allegations levelled by BJP, Mehta said, "BJP is frustrated as GPP is firming up its position in Saurashtra region".
"Firstly, the BJP contended that GPP would not get registration and then raised an issue regarding its symbol. Now that GPP has got the symbol, BJP is spreading its frustration through media by levelling allegations," he told reporters.
Mehta said the GPP has appealed to EC to ensure free and fair conduct of polls to be held in two phases on December 13 and 17.
