EC notice to TDP for violating code of conduct in Vizag bypoll

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) The Election Commission today issued notice to Telugu Desam Party for violation of the model code of conduct during the February 19 byelection in Visakhapatnam, and sought an explanation on the issue of saree distribution in the constituency.

In a letter to the party's general secretary, the EC asked him to reply why action should not be taken against the TDP under the relevant law and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

As per the reports, TDP leader and MP K Yerran Naidu attended a function at Peda Gantyada village in the Vishakhapatnam-I constituency where the election process was on.

The party leaders also distributed sarees to women in the constituency, the Commission said quoting media reports.

''The said distribution of sarees by you (TDP) was not only in violation of the model code of conduct but also amounts to electoral offences within the meaning of Section 171 (B) and 171 (H) of IPC,'' the notice stated.

The Commission in the letter said reports of distribution of cash, liquor and water pouches bearing the party symbol have also been recieved and a number of party functionaries were arrested by the police and huge cash and liquor had been seized. FIRs were also registered against several persons.

According to reports, police seized an amount of Rs 2.38 lakh on February 18 at around 1700 hrs and later another Rs 5.20 lakhs was seized along with six bottles of liquor.

The vehicle in which cash and liquor was transported was also seized by the police, the letter added.

UNI PB MSJ BD1616