EC issues showcause notice to Pachauri,Vora

New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) The Election Commission has issued showcause notices to Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachauri and senior Congress leader Moti Lal Vora for ''violating'' model code of conduct by visiting Hardwar in Uttarakhand on February 9.

They have been asked to explain their position by 1500 hrs tomorrow.

According to an EC notification, both leaders had called on the District Magistrate and Senior Superntendent of police to have a meeting in connection with the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and non-availability of the College ground for election meeting.

Meanwhile, the commission has ordered the suspension of two observers posted in Punjab--Pradep Kumar and B Prasad--for dereliction of duty.

The Commisson also recommended immediate initiation of disciplinary action against Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohali G S Dhilion and against the Secretary, Public Relations, Punjab Government for serious lapses.

The EC has also recommended to the Punjab government immediate transfer of Deputy Suprintendent of Police (DSP) and Station House Officer (SHO) Majitha for committing serious lapses, the order said.

UNI