EC asks Pawar to be more careful with agriculture ministry poll ad

In a rap on the knuckle for agriculture minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission (EC) today asked him to exercise more care in future while issuing advertisements by his ministry so that the model code of conduct is not violated.

The Commission, which had served a notice to Pawar earlier this week for alleged violation of the code for an advertisement issued by the ministry in a newspaper, said its advice has been misinterpreted while issuing the advertisement.

"EC expects that once a direction is given, appropriate care is taken by the Ministry/department concerned to the model code of conduct in letter and spirit", it said.

Noting that doubts could have been clarified if Pawar had any, the EC said it would advise that more care should be exercised in future in such matters so that the model code of conduct is duly observed.

The Commission has considered Pawar's reply and also heard Agriculture Secretary yesterday. It also sent a copy of its communication to Cabinet Secretary and Agriculture Secretary.

Pawar was given a notice for an advertisement in a Marathi daily which said "Dear farmer, this kharif season the rains did not help you. But we will - Message to farmer friends from Union agriculture ministry".

Publishing the advertisement in Marathi language in a newspaper in Mumbai at the time of election in Maharashtra is "prima facie motivated to influence the voters of the state", the EC had said while issuing the notice.