EC reprimands Pawar on sugar package issue

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) The Election Commission today reprimanded Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar for announcing a sugar package even after the announcement of the poll schedule for Uttar Pradesh, saying it was a clear case of violation of the model code of conduct.

EC sources said the announcement of the package for the benefit of sugarcane farmers even after declaration of the election schedule in Uttar Pradesh, the second largest sugarcane producing state in the country, violated the model code of conduct.

Mr Pawar had announced a Rs 850 crore relief package and export subsidy for sugar mills at a press conference in Pune on March 26.

UNI