Notice issued by EC to RLD leader Jayant Chowdhury

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh's son Jayant Chowdhary, an RLD leader, was today issued a notice by Election Commission for allegedly violating the model code of conduct after he was caught on camera taking cash from a local leader during a poll meeting in Mathura.

"We have sent a notice to Chowdhury seeking his explanation. He was caught on camera accepting money at Govardhan Assembly constituency in Mogarra area here," ADM (City) Ram Awatar Raman told PTI.

Chowdhury was yesterday caught on camera while he was accepting money, believed to be around Rs 70,000, during the election meeting.

On his part, Chowdhary saw nothing wrong in accepting money. "It is not a violation in any way. Please read the election code of conduct. Candidates are entitled to raise money from the constituency, from the constituents to fight election," he said.

He added that candidates can take money from people for running elections and if they do not then only industrial houses fund campaigns.

The cameras showed Chowdhary subsequently handing over the cash to his party candidate and later to his brother-in-law, who was accompanying him on the campaign trail.
The Assembly constituencies that fall under Mathura will go to vote on February 28.

Chowdhury, sitting MP from Mathura, is also contesting Assembly polls from Maant seat.