The Election Commission has directed the Returning Officer of Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Paradesh to file an FIR against Congress candidate for violation of model code of conduct. Special Observer for Varanasi Praveen Kumar told our correspondent that Mr Rai cast his vote at the polling station in Varanasi wearing party symbol and he also addressed media there. He said the matter was referred to the Commission. Mr. Kumar said nobody is allowed to enter the polling booth with party symbol and restrictions are also imposed for talking to media persons within 200 metre radius of the booth.

Earlier, the Commission sought CCTV footage on complaints alleging that Ajay Rai was wearing party symbol on his shirt while casting his vote. A report was also sought from the local administration into the matter. The BJP and Aam Admi Party had sought action against Mr. Rai.

Rai however, defended his action saying that he has the right to wear the symbol as a candidate. He also claimed that the case against Narendra Modi cannot be compared with his action as the BJP candidate had shown his party symbol after casting his vote in Gandhinagar constituency. Modi created a controversy after he flashed his party's symbol while taking a “selfie” and made a speech after casting his vote in Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

BJP leader Dr Murli Manohar Joshi has said Ajay Rai's action in going to the polling station to cast his vote with party symbol is very minor and it should be left to the Election Commission for taking cognizance. After casting his vote at Varanasi, Dr Joshi who has vacated his seat for Narendra Modi said it was very unfortunate that poll personnel engaged in conducting the elections are not committed to the implementation of model code of conduct.