The EC has asked him to explain the conduct by Monday 5 pm, failing which the Commission would decide the matter without any further reference to him.
The election commission (EC) on Saturday wielded stick against union minister of steel Beni Prasad Verma, saying it was prima facie satisfied that the minister has violated the model code of conduct and also challenged the authority of election commission at a meeting at Farrukhabad, while campaigning in Uttar Pradesh on February 15.
The EC has asked him to explain the conduct by Monday 5 pm, failing which the Commission would decide the matter without any further reference to him.
Quoting objectionable part of his speech, the Commission order said it was evident from the statements of Verma that he was well aware that by making such utterances, he was violating the model code of conduct and yet he deliberately and willfully did the same.
The Commission stated it was satisfied, after seeing the video recording of the speech. It had earlier pulled up Law minister Salman Khurshid for the same offence of luring Muslim voters by promising them reservations in jobs and education.
The EC closed the chapter in Khurshid’s case only after he expressed regrets after the Commission had complained the President of his open defiance.
Ironically, Verma was campaigning for Khurshid’s wife Louis.
Quoting objectionable passages, the Commission reminded the minister that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing vote, as per the model code of conduct. Further the party in power shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purpose of its election campaign.
The objectionable passage read as: “I declare on his (Khurshid’s) behalf that the reservation (for minorities) will be further increased. Muslims have no land, no employment and largely jobless. They have to labour whole of the day to earn a meal. More facilities will be given to Muslims. Reservation will be raised further. If the Election Commission slaps a notice next time, we will handle it. Vote for only Congress.”
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