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EC notice to Naidu for code violation

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday issued a notice to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to show cause why action should not be initiated against him for violating the model code of conduct by holding a public meeting beyond 10 p.m. on May 19.

In a notice sent to Mr. Naidu, the Commission pointed out that the code had come into force from April 16 (when poll was announced) in all the 10 districts of the State in which 22 of the Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies fall “and this includes Mahabubnagar district”.

The notice said that Mr. Naidu held a meeting of the Telugu Desam Party in village Rajapur, Balanagar in Mahabubnagar district on May 19 without taking prior permission of the competent authorities of the area in violation of the code.

He also held the meeting beyond the prescribed time limit for campaigning i.e., 10 p.m., using loudspeaker and thus had violated the directions issued by the Supreme Court on the use of loudspeakers.

The Commission said that it had been confirmed that the above-mentioned incidents had indeed happened and the local police authorities had booked a case under Indian Police Act and the District Election Officer had also brought to the notice of the Commission about the incident. The Commission asked Mr. Naidu to explain to the notice by 12 noon of May 25.

Meanwhile, the Commission expressed its displeasure to G. Chinna Reddy, State Rural Development Minister, and Swarna Sudhakar, MLA, for violating the code of conduct by using a convoy of vehicles more than the prescribed number to address a public meeting. Further, the meeting was held in a school in Jadcherla Assembly constituency.

The Commission while expressing its strong displeasure for above lapses said “being a responsible Minister it is expected of you that you would abide by provisions of the code of conduct and instructions of the Election Commission of India. The Commission hopes that you exercise caution in future.”

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