In an indirect reference to the Samjawadi Party's charge that the Election Commission was responsible for poor turnout in the first two phases of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, Union Minister of State for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal on Wednesday said the party was demoralised due to the panel's strictness and making baseless allegations against the constitutional body.
"I have never seen such free and fair elections in my 30 years of political career. Those making allegations against the EC are afraid of the results as they could not influence the polls with their clout," Jaiswal told media persons.
Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav had on Tuesday charged that the EC was exceeding its jurisdiction.
"The Election Commission is working beyond its jurisdiction and the poor turnout in the first two phases proved that the strictness has created terror among the electorate," Yadav had said at a poll rally.
Jaiswal said it has become a trend to criticise constitutional bodies whenever their working does not suit political parties.
The minister also hailed the role of Central paramilitary forces for ensuring peaceful elections. On the advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, Jaiswal said people know very well how much strength Uttar Pradesh has and the status of crime rate in the state.
"Ads by one of the best actors could influence people outside the state, but not in Uttar Pradesh, where people are facing the reality," he said.
Coverage: UP Elections 2007