The Congress on Thursday alleged that a new bill that seeks to regulate the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is a "blatant attempt" at making the poll watchdog a "total puppet in the hands of the prime minister", and appealed to all democratic forces to oppose the proposed legislation, reported news agency PTI.

The opposition party also asked if the BJD and YSRCP will also join hands to oppose the bill which has been listed in the day's business in the Rajya Sabha. Congress general secretary organisation K C Venugopal hit out at the government over the bill, calling it a "blatant attempt at making the Election Commission a total puppet in the hands of the PM".