EC seeks explanation from Chhattisgarh minister

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) The Election Commission today issued a notice to Chhattisgarh Health Minister Krishnamurthy Bandhi seeking his explanation for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct which is in force in entire Bilaspur district in connection with the byelection to Kota Assembly consituency on December four.

He has been asked to give his reply to the notice on November 27.

In its notice, the commission said model code of conduct was in force in the entire district of Bilaspur (within which Kota assembly constituency is located) since the announcement of the byelection on November seven.

The allegation against the minister was that he had attended a meeting at Masturi in Bilaspur district on November 14 and discussed and reviewed the development issues with the officers and also used government vehicle with beacon light, in violation of the model code of conduct which had come into effect from November seven.

"You are afforded an opportunity to explain your position as to why action should not be initiated against you for the lapse," the EC said, setting the deadline for submission of his reply at 1200 hrs of November 27.

UNI SH PK GC1823