New Delhi, Apr 2 : In view of the upcoming general elections, the Election Commission on Thursday advised the Union Ministers to avoid press conferences.

"Now that the Model Code of Conduct is in force throughout India in view of the upcoming general elections, the Commission would like to advise that such press conferences should be avoided, as far as possible," the Commission said in a letter to the Cabinet Secretary.

The Election Commission, however, has said that an appropriate official might address the press conference.

"Where, however, the holding of a press conference becomes unavoidable in public interest, preferably an appropriate official may address the press conference," the EC said.

The Commission's advice came after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) complaint against Home Minister P. Chidambaram for making certain comments on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a press conference held at the PIB. (ANI)