EC slaps poll code violation notice on MP Industry Minister

New Delhi: The Election Commission Wednesday slapped a notice against Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya for making "contemptuous" remarks against the model code of conduct and distributing money.

Taking cognisance of his criticism of the model code at a programme of Rajput Sabha in Bhopal on October 14, the EC said that by doing so he has shown "utter disrespect and disregard" to the provisions of the code and asked him to reply by October 18.

"You have made contemptuous remarks and have shown utter disrespect and disregard to the provisions of the model code of conduct. This is also not in keeping with the high constitutional post that you occupy.

"Now, therefore, the Election Commission of India calls upon you to explain by 5:00 pm of October 18, 2013 as to why action should not be taken against you for the above mentioned violations of the Model code of Conduct," the Commission notice slapped on him said.

The EC said in case he did not reply within the prescribed time limit, it will be presumed that he has nothing to say and the Commission will proceed to take appropriate action without any further reference to him.

This is the first poll code violation notice ever since assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and four other states were announced by the poll body on October 4. The Model Code of Conduct is in force in all the five poll-bound states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Mizoram.

The Minister is also accused of distributing money to drum players during the 'Chunri Yatra' conducted by an organisation called 'Sarthi' on October 11, 2013, which is in violation of the model code.

He is also accused of promising (during a Dussehera function at Satya Sai Chauraha) to make a good Udyog Bhawan next year in Vijay Nagar, also a poll code violation.

"Aisi chunao achar sanhita ko tum tumare pas rakho main aisi achar sanhita ki jyada chinta nahi karta. Mainey kah diya chunao ayog ko jo tumko karna ho karna, aisi achar sanhita ko thokar marta hoon (Keep such a Model Code of Conduct with you. I don't care much about such Model Code. I told the Election Commission to do whatever they want. I reject such model code of conduct)," Vijayvargiya had said at a function on October 14 in Bhopal.