Allahabad

BJP leader L K Advani on Wednesday cautioned against any attempt to alter the Election Commission of Indias " strong" and " independent" character which was vital for the " survival" of the countrys democracy.

" Our strong and independent Election Commission is vital to our democracy. The reports of the UPA governments plans to curtail its powers are a matter of grave concern.

" Voices of disapproval are emerging from all sides and many people in the ruling dispensation are also not in favour of such a move," Advani, who was here on a private visit, told reporters.

He was replying to questions on the governments reported attempt to make the election code of conduct statutory.

The Department of Personnel and Training has described such reports as " misconceived". Advani recalled his meeting with former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at his residence where he had asked her why democracy could not find a strong foothold in her country like in India even though both countries shared a common past.

" Bhutto expressed the opinion that Indian democracy had thrived due to non- political character of Indian Army and a strong and impartial Election Commission which has ensured that those who had popular backing assumed power," the BJP leader said.