ECI seeks explanation from Chhattisgarh CM

Raipur, Nov 13 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought an explanation from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh over using a helicopter when he went to submit his nomination papers for Rajnandgaon assembly seat on October 30.

The ECI sought to know whether Dr Singh actually used the copter and added the rent of the service to his poll expenditure.

Speaking to mediapersons, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Alok Shukla said here today the explanation was sought following a complaint lodged directly at the ECI in New Delhi. The complaint alleged that the Chief Minister used a chopper when he went to submit the papers and had not included the rent in his election expenditure.

''The ECI has just sought an explanation and it is not a notice,'' the CEO clarified.

Meanwhile, the ECI directed Railway authorities in Bhilai to check people arriving by train to the city for tomorrow's polling.

Bhilai Steel Plant authorities were also instructed to keep a watch on residential quarters vis-a-vis unauthorised people residing there. The directives were issued after complaints that a rush of people was coming to the city over the past couple of days.

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