EC asks Pawar to explain ink remark

The Election Commission Monday held NCP chief Sharad Pawar prima facie guilty of violating the model code of conduct for his remarks on erasing the indelible ink to ensure double voting, which he had made at a rally in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

In a notice served to Pawar, the EC stated: “The Election Commission of India is prima facie of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statement you have violated the above said provision of model code of conduct.” It further said, “The Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand on the statement before 5pm on March 26. Failing which, the EC shall take a decision with further reference to you.”

On Sunday, at a rally of “mathadi” workers (head loaders) Pawar had said, “One good thing has happened… Last time elections in Satara and Mumbai were on the same day. So you went with your families to Satara.

This time the polls in Satara are on April 17 and Mumbai April 24. So cast your vote on “clock” (party symbol) there and also cast the vote on “clock” here . But wipe out the ink first.