EC prevents fake voting; Mulayam frustrated

Lucknow, Apr 18: Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav was frustrated by the measures taken by the Election Commission to prevent fake voting, Union minister of state for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal said today. Addressing a news conference, Mr Jaiswal said he in his political career spanning 18 years has not witnessed such a peaceful election. ''I thank the Election Commission for holding free and fair elections in the three phases which have taken place so far,'' he said.

He claimed that violence-free elections in Etawah, Mainpur and Etah districts of the state was historical. ''With no fake voting taking place, the hopes of the ruling party of once again coming to power have collapsed,'' he said.

He said the central para military forces (CMPF) have carried out an exceptional task of ensuring peaceful elections. ''The discipline with which they have done their duty is commendable,'' he added.

To a poser on the central government initiating a probe against a paramilitary personnel for stopping state PWD minister Shivpal Singh Yadav in Eatwah, he said it is the duty of the government to order probe based on a complaint. ''If the personnel is found guilty, he would be punished. But if his actions were in accordance to his orders, he could well be rewarded,'' he said.

UNI