NDTV Correspondent Sunday, April 18, 2004 (Lucknow):

Senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon today quit as the Convener of the Election Management Committee of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his Parliamentary constituency, Lucknow.

"I have informed the Prime Minister about my decision and now I will work only as a BJP leader," he said.

Citing reasons for his resignation, Tandon said: "I do not want to provide the opposition parties any chance to drag the PM's name in the controversy."

Tandon's decision comes a day after the Election Commission (EC) filed an FIR against him under section 171 (B) of the IPC. 

He was booked for offering inducements to voters in Lucknow, when a stampede occurred, killing 22 women. 

The stampede took place during Tandon's birthday celebrations on April 12. (With PTI inputs)

Source: NDTV.com