EC censures UP minister for violating election model code

Lucknow, Mar 22 (UNI) The Election Commission today censured Uttar Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister R K Choudhury for violating the election model code of conduct.

The EC in its directive has ordered realisation of expenses incurred by the Minister on his visit to Hardoi on February 22, a day after the assembly poll dates were announced by the Commission.

According to the complaint, Mr Choudhury addressed a public meeting in Hardoi and used his official vehicle to visit the place from the state capital.

State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anuj Kumar Bishnoi said here the decision to censure the Minister was taken after charges were found correct. The EC is looking in other similar cases as well.

Meanwhile, the EC has granted permission to eight political parties to use their election symbol in UP poll, which are recognised as parties in other states.

The parties, which have been permitted to use their symbols are teh Lok Janshakti Party, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena, Muslim League (Kerala), Janata Dal (Secular), Samata Party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Lennist).

Mr Bishnoi said the EC has directed all the districts to ensure intensive video coverage of the election process and campaigning to find out, if their is any violation of the election model code of conduct.

''The district should be pro-active in finding out the lapses rather than waiting for the complaints,'' he said.

UNI