EC slaps notice on Jaiswal

Holding prima facie that his comments on imposition of Presidents Rule in UP amounts to a threat to voters and violation of the model code of conduct,the Election Commission Friday slapped a showcause notice on Union minister Sriprakash Jaiswal,asking why action should not be initiated against him.

The Commission is,prima facie,satisfied that Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal,by making the aforesaid uncalled for statement has attempted to threaten the voters of districts going for poll in 6th and 7th phases either to vote for his party i.e. INC,or face imposition of President Rule in Uttar Pradesh and has thus violated the aforesaid provisions of the model code of conduct, the EC notice served on him said.

The Commission asked the Coal Minister to explain his position on the matter by 2 pm February 27,failing which it will decide the matter without giving any further opportunity to him.

The action comes in the wake of complaints received by the Commission from BJP and Samajwadi Party,charging Jaiswal with violating the model code and threatening the voters of Uttar Pradesh.

Jaiswal had said in Kanpur that if the Congress failed to win a majority in Uttar Pradesh and form a government,I see no alternative but Governors rule.