Pawar apologises to EC for 'ink' remark

NCP chief and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday expressed deep regret for the confusion and misunderstanding his controversial 'ink' remark has caused and requested the Election Commission to treat the issue as closed.

Taking serious note of Pawar’s remark asking his supporters to vote twice in the multi-phase polling in Maharashtra after erasing the indelible ink, the EC had issued show cause notice to him after the poll panel found that he had “prima facie” violated the model code of conduct.

In his response, Pawar said his remarks asking people to remove the indelible ink were made in zest and in spirit of humour.