Puducherry: CPI Wednesday termed as "irrational" the Election Commission's order to veil the statues of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and that of her party symbol in the run-up to the Assembly polls in the state.

Talking to reporters here, CPI national secretary D Raja disagreed with the EC's order to veil the statues and said the move as "irrational".

While appealing to EC to ensure free and fair elections in the five poll-bound states, Raja said yesterday that attempts by "certain sections" to use money and muscle power to woo voters must be checked.

"The Election Commission should take care to thwart moves by certain sections who are using money and muscle power to woo voters. The Commission should ensure that the polls are held in a free and fair manner," he said.

Raja also said the EC should initiate steps to ensure "level-playing" field for all political parties in the ensuing elections in the states.

The EC has announced a seven-phased poll in Uttar Pradesh between February 4 and 28, while assembly elections in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa will be held in a single-phase.

PTI