Lucknow, Apr 8 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday criticised the Election Commission for its decision to transfer UP Principal Secretary of Home Kunwar Fateh Bahadur.

Accusing the commission of demoralizing officers of the state ahead of the first phase of elections, Mayawati said the decision may lead to problems in the law and order situation in the state.

Talking to reporters here, Mayawati said, "Removing of the officer just due to political reasons on basis of their baseless allegation will demoralize officers of the state due to which law and order problem could erupt in the state."

"EC will be responsible if there is any terrorist or Naxal problem or any incident happens with me or any other leader during campaigning," warned Mayawati.

The Election Commission on Tuesday had ordered the removal of Kunwar Fateh Bahadur following complaints from opposition parties.

In a memoranda submitted to Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami, the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party had urged the removal of some senior state officials.

Mayawati assured that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) party government in the state is committed to hold free and fair polls.

"I have not only directed the officials, but also party candidates, office-bearers and workers that they must adhere by the model code of conduct and cooperate with the government machinery," she informed.

The elections in Uttar Pradesh would be held in five phases: April 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and May 13. (ANI)