BJP workers today protested in Varanasi and in Delhi against the Election Commission's move to refuse permission for Narendra Modi's rally in Varanasi.

Hitting out at the Election Commission, BJP leader Arun Jaitley today termed the Election Commission as timid. Jaitley wrote on his blog that timid men can dwarf high offices and said men in constitutional offices need to be bolder.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said by denying permission to Modi's rally, the poll body has surrendered before the Uttar Pradesh government.

Narendra Modi also questioned the poll body's neutrality over denial of permission for a public meeting at a venue of his choice in Varanasi. Modi posted the message on social media site, Twitter.

Modi is contesting against AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Ajay Rai from Varanasi Parliamentary constituency.

BJP had earlier sought permission to hold a public rally at crowded Veeniya Bagh area, but the Returning Officer Pranjal Yadav denied it citing security reasons.

Varanasi District administration had given permission to BJP to hold four of the five functions scheduled to be attended by its leader Narendra Modi in the city today. BJP, however, cancelled three of the five functions citing delay in granting permission by the District Magistrate.

The Election Commission had earlier expressed disappointment over BJP's decision to hold protests against its decision.