EC issues notice to UP CM for his statement on taking bribe in election meeting

Lucknow: The Election Commission (EC) today issued a notice to Samajwadi Party President and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for making a statement on abetment of bribery during an election rally in Bhadoi on March 4. The Commission issued the notice to the CM, seeking his reply on why action should not be taken against him before 1700 hrs tomorrow. Earlier, BJP had also made a written complaint to the EC on the violation of norms by the Mr Yadav. According to EC, Mr Yadav had violated the election norms as bribing or abetment of bribing in election was an offence under Section 171(E) of IPC and corrupt pracitices under Section 123(1) of RP Act.

During an election meeting at Vubhuti Narain Government College in Gyanpur Assembly constituency of Bhadoi district, Mr Yadav, while seeking support for party candidate Ramrati Bind, had said that he has the news that several candidates were distributing money to the voters. "You can take the money from others, but give your vote to the bicycle," the CM had said in the rally. Rebel SP MLA Vijay Mishra is contesting from Gyanpur seat on the ticket of Nishad party. (UNI)