New Delhi: BJP on Monday sought to know the whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's alleged violation of the model code of conduct in Kanpur is "a deliberate act to challenge the Election Commission".

"Is this a deliberate act by Congress to challenge the poll body?" BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

An FIR was filed against Rahul for alleged violation of model code of conduct by Kanpur district authorities in Uttar Pradesh which said that his road show in Kanpur had breached the time limit and the route map set by them.

Attacking Congress, Rudy said "first it was Law Minister Salman Khurshid who had challenged the EC and said he can be hanged but he will stick to the minority quota issue and despite any apology issued by him, another Congress Minister Beni Prasad Verma repeated the act and challenged the EC."

He alleged Rahul took out a rally without permission and breaching all rules.

"He is intelligent, informed and knows the rules since he is an SPG protectee. Yet, he changed the route and timing. So, is this yet another challenge to EC?" the BJP leader said.

However, Congress said Rahul has not committed any illegality and legitimate campaign is a fundamental part of free democratic right.

PTI