"Correct Discourse, Maintain Decorum": Poll Body Schools BJP, Congress

Five phases of the Lok Sabha election over, the Election Commission today came down heavily on the ruling BJP and the main Opposition Congress over poll speeches by star campaigners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

In separate directions issued to BJP president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the poll body said the country's socio-cultural milieu cannot become a casualty to elections. The two major parties, it said, are not allowed to weaken the heritage of the Indian voter's quality electoral experiences.

Earlier, both parties had approached the Election Commission and complained against each other's leaders. The poll body had issued notices and sought their responses on the allegations. In today's directions, it has rejected their defences.