EC notice to Alagiri for violating model code

The Election Commission Saturday issued a showcause notice to DMK leader and Union minister M K Alagiri for allegedly violating the model code of conduct that came into force in Tamil Nadu on March 1.

Alagiri left for Chennai on an official visit on March 2,but information to this effect was communicated to the Chief Secretary and the EC only a day later. 8230; You should have given prior intimation to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu of your visit8230;. It is nowhere certified that your visit to Chennai was on purely official business which could not have been avoided in public interest, the EC said in its notice to Alagiri.

It pointed out that Alagiri went to Madurai and indulged in political activities on March 4,again without informing the Commission. By combining your visit to Chennai,which is said to be official,with your visit to Madurai and indulging in political activities there,you have violated the provisions of the model code of conduct, the EC notice said.

Alagiri has been asked to furnish his reply by Monday.