PM Modi thanks EC for allowing shrine visit, Rahul terms it 'drama'

Kedarnath/New Delhi: Amidst a controversy over his visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines during 'silent period' for the last leg of polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday thanked the Election Commission for the permission, even as opposition parties cried foul over the much-publicised trip and alleged poll code violation.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi termed the visit a "drama in Kedarnath" and was also highly critical of the poll panel, saying its "capitulation before Modi & his gang is obvious to all Indians".

"The EC used to be feared & respected. Not anymore," he tweeted.

After offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple and spending around 17 hours at a holy cave near the shrine, Modi said, "I did not ask for anything.

I don't believe in asking for, because

God only wants us to give...all I want is 'Baba' Kedarnath bestows his blessings not just upon India but the entire mankind."

Modi said he remained totally cut off from the outside world as there was no communication link to the cave he stayed in, and he kept looking at the shrine through a small window. See P5