The Election Commission (EC) here on Monday issued a notice to the Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut for contravening the Model Code of Conduct, which is in effect across Maharashtra since March 10.
Being the Editor of Saamana, a newspaper published by Shiv Sena, Mr Raut in the Sunday edition of the newspaper wrote ‘critically’ against Kanhaiya Kumar, the Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate for 2019 LS polls from Bihar.
Mr Raut wrote that “the BJP must ensure the electoral defeat of Kanhaiya Kumar even if it meant going at lengths of tampering with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).”
He further mentioned that “Kanhaiya Kumar must be stopped from reaching the Parliament as he is a bottle of poison.”
The EC has sought the reply from Mr Raut by Wednesday after which the further course of action will be decided accordingly.
The notice issued to Mr Raut carries the statement of the City Collector as well as the District Election Officer Shivaji Jondhale.
Mr Jondhale mentioned that his remarks against Kanhaiya Kumar shows “lack of faith in the deployment of EVMs.” Mr Raut stated that he will file his reply in a timely manner. (UNI)
