The Election Commission on Thursday issued a show cause notice to Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for violating the model code of conduct after his supporters caught in camera distributing money during holy celebration.
On the occasion of Holi festival, party workers were seen handing out Rs 100 notes to the people present at the function held at Mulayam’s native place, Safai village in Etawah district. After some television channels aired the images, the EC shortly asked to submit his reply by 11 am on March 14.
The poll panel had asked him to reply why a criminal case shouldn’t be registered against him for adopting a corrupt practice, which is an offence under the election law.
Mulayam Singh told reporters in Lucknow: 'Yeh such hai ke bhul hui (it's correct, it was a mistake). He, however, added that every year he gave gifts to people on Holi. It's a tradition, part of Holi celebrations and not an attempt to bribe anyone.
The election model code of conduct came into force immediately with the announcement of election date for the 15th general elections scheduled for April-May. The commission will take action if the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister fails to answer by that day, the panel said.
An official statement reads: 'it is apparent that the distribution of money in your presence has been made with a view to soliciting votes and support for yourself and your party.’
The codes of conduct directs all parties and candidates to avoid all activities which are “corrupt practices” and offences under the election law such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and conveyance of voters to and from polling station.
SP general secretary Amar Singh too defended the act by saying that it was just a part of their usual Holi celebration and there is nothing wrong in distributing gifts to youngsters on a festival.
In another similar case, actor-turned Congress MP Govinda Ahuja too caught red-handed distributing money to supporters outside his Mumbai house on Wednesday. The Election Commission has also ordered an inquiry into the incident.
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