Election Commission issues notices to Beni Prasad Verma, Vinay Katiyar

The Election Commission on Thursday issued notices to BJP leader Vinay Katiyar and union minister Beni Prasad Verma for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

While Verma was issued the notice for making "derogratory" remarks against Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Katiyar got the notice for his comments against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan.

Both have been asked to give their explanations by April 26, failing which the commission said it will take action without further referring the matter to them. The notices were issued following complaints and reports by poll authorities in Uttar Pradesh.