EC issues show-cause notice to Karnataka CM

New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) The Election Commission today issued a show-cause notice to Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for not acting on reported violation of the model code of conduct in Chamundeshwari assembly constituency where a by-poll is going to be held on December 4.

Asking Mr Kumaraswamy to reply by November 30, the EC cited the media reports, which suggested that the state governor had written a letter to the chief minister making certain ''adverse'' observations with regard to the violations of the model code of conduct in the constituency. The governor had also emphasised the need to hold the by-poll in a free and fair manner.

The poll panel also observed, from the reports, that certain complaints were made to Mr Kumaraswamy about certain candidates and workers of opposition parties not permitting political meetings in the constituency.

The EC said the reports gave a clear indication on the chief minister's part that the state government did not intend to take steps to ensure free and fair by-election.

It also asked Mr Kumaraswamy to furnish information on the steps taken by him to ensure no further violation of model code of conduct takes place.

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