EC issues notice to Sharad Yadav over controversial remarks

The Election Commission today issued a show cause notice to Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav for his alleged remarks to influence voters in the name of 'divine displeasure' and said prima facie he has violated the model code in force in Bihar.

EC took cognisance of Yadav's reported remarks at an election rally in Nalanda on October 7 that "those who do not keep their promise, then the Hindus will not get a place in heaven and Muslims will not meet Allah in paradise".

It said interfering with the free exercise of a voter's right by inducing or attempting to induce him to believe that "he will become or will be rendered an object of divine displeasure or spiritual censure is a corrupt practice of undue influence" under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 as well as the IPC.

The Commission gave Yadav time till 3 pm on October 17 to respond to the notice failing which it "shall take a decision without any further reference to you."

The Commission said it is of the opinion that by making the statement, he has "prima facie" violated the model code of conduct.

An FIR has already been lodged against Sharad Yadav in Nalanda under various sections of the IPC.