Sonia has replied to EC queries on Belgian honour: Gopalaswami

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The Election Commission today confirmed that it has received Congress president Sonia Gandhi's reply to the petition pertaining to a Belgian award conferred on her in 2006.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said the information sought from Congress president has been received by the Commission.

He also said that the External Affairs Ministry has also sent in the papers sought by the Commission on the issue.

Ms Gandhi was awarded the Order of Leopold, the second highest civilian honour of Belgium, during her visit to that country in November 2006.

A lawyer from Kerala had petitioned the Election Commission that acceptance of the honour amounted to owing allegiance to Belgian constitution.

The CEC said he could not confirm if the petitioner had filed his replies to the MEA's documents, though he has replied to Ms Gandhi's version.

UNI MMG SP BD1444