The Election Commission today sent notice to Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav,seeking an explanation on the reported distribution of money in violation of the model code of conduct during a Holi Milan function in his home village Saifai in UPs Etawah district. UP Chief Electoral Officer A K Bishnoi said a reply had been sought from Mulayam Singh Yadav by 11 am,March 14. We have also sought a report from the District Magistrate in this regard, Bishnoi said. After the CNN-IBN channel aired footage of money being distributed at the function,the Commission,in its notice to the SP chief,said it had taken note of reports where,in your presence,your workers and supporters openly distributed Rs 100 currency notes to a very large number of participants in that public gathering. it is apparent that. distribution of money in your presence has been made with a view to soliciting votes and support for yourself and your party. (in) clear violation of the provisions of the model code of conduct. Mulayam Singh said he had done no wrong. During the function,payment was made to folk performers and the entire episode has been projected wrongly. We respect the model code of conduct and it is unfortunate that false charges have been levelled against our party. It was a simple Holi Milan function. It is held every year so that people of Saifai can celebrate together, he said. SP general secretary Amar Singh too defended the Holi offering,saying I visited the Bareilly dargah recently and,as is customary,offered some money. The money distributed was part of Holi celebrations. Similarly,some villagers had come to the village where it is a custom to offer them something on Holi. Should we stop celebrating Holi now? If thats the case,then one notice should be served on me as well.
