New Delhi, Dec. 14 -- RJD's Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Sunday slammed the Election Commission over alleged irregularities, saying real issues like a level playing field are being dodged.

Ahead of the Congress's mega rally against 'Vote Chori' at Ramlila Maidan, Jha said, "... We are dodging the real issues, the issue of a level playing field, in which the Election Commission has an active role... Financial transactions took place during the Bihar election show desperation to somehow steal the votes..."

Earlier, tensions had flared in Lucknow on November 27 when Youth Congress workers staged a protest as part of the ongoing "Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod" campaign over the SIR issue.

The protest, which began peacefully, escalated after ...