New Delhi: Congress on November 13 welcomed Election Commission's (EC) decision to ban VHP's (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) proposed yatra in Gujarat saying the EC was performing its duty to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

"This is a welcome step by the Commission. It is performing its duty to ensure free and fair elections by eliminating all causes of tensions which could lead to violence", AICC (All India Congress Committee) general secretary Ambika Soni told reporters.

The three-member Commission during its recent visit to Gujarat had witnessed violence while touring the state, she said and added that the step was taken with a view to check such violence by the communal forces.

PTI