Laloo submits replies to EC, decision next week

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav today submitted his reply to the Election Commission on allegations...

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav today submitted his reply to the Election Commission on allegations of bribing voters ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar. Laloo, who barely made the EC deadline, said he had not violated the model code of conduct.

Earlier this week, the EC had issued a show-cause notice to Laloo, seeking his reply as to why his party should not be derecognised for ‘‘disregarding and failing’’ to abide by the model code of conduct and its lawful directions to ensure free and fair polls.

Laloo met Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy today and gave his reply to the EC notice on violation of the code of conduct, EC sources said, adding that his reply will be considered and a decision taken by next week.

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Emerging from the meeting with Krishnamurthy, Laloo said, ‘‘I have submitted the reply in writing. I have told them the truth.’’

‘‘We have always respected the decisions of the Commission. We have never given any bribe to anyone…whatever we have to say we have told the Commission,’’ he said.

The issue had caused serious embarrassment to the government, when the Opposition demanded Laloo’s resignation for a violation of poll code and stalled the just-concluded Parliament Winter session.

The EC had directed Bihar Chief Electoral Officer K.C. Saha to file an FIR for offence of bribery under the IPC.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for February.

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