Like CBI, Election Commission too working under Centre`s influence: Azam Khan

Rampur: An unperturbed Azam Khan on Sunday threatened to move court against Election Commission`s ban on him, alleging that the poll watch dog was working under the "influence" of the Centre.

"EC too is working on the pattern of CBI, which happens to remain under the influence of the Centre," the Uttar Pradesh minister said. On April 11, the EC toughened its stand against hate speech and banned Khan and BJP leader Amit Shah from holding public meetings, processions or roadshows in UP and asked authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against them. Two cases were filed against Khan in UP yesterday for hate speeches. Addressing a press conference, Khan said,"If the restrictions were not removed I will approach court." Yesterday, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav had said he will appeal to the EC to lift ban on Khan.