Arjun makes case for quota before EC…

Singh explained how the reservation policy was no new move and therefore cannot come under the model code of conduct. He said he had ‘‘satisfactorily’’ put across his point of view to the full Commission.

At the hearing, sources said, the HRD Minister argued his position without being grilled by the EC which in turn patiently heard him.

In fact, the Commission also seemed to have softened its earlier stance where it reprimanded Singh for prima facie violation of the model code of conduct. It had observed that the reported announcement on reservation amounted to a new concession to certain sections of the electorate in the five states where Assembly poll process was on.

Apprehensive of the fact that a confrontation with the EC may lead to him being ‘‘censured’’ by the EC, Singh in his second letter sought to take cover of constitutional provisions to prove that his statement cannot be treated as a model code violation.

However, the EC was ‘‘unimpressed’’ to the point that it refused to take note of his second reply and asked the Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi to respond to the show-cause notice.