EC slaps notice on BJP MP Ananthkumar Hedge

NEW DELHI, Apr 2 (Agencies): The Election Commission has served a notice to three-time BJP MP and the party's Lok Sabha candidate from Uttara Kannada Ananthkumar Hegde for allegedly making certain remarks against a particular community which amounted to violation of Model Code of Conduct.

The EC gave him time till tomorrow to reply to the notice.

"It has come to the notice of the Commission that you conducted an election meeting in Mundgod, Uttar Kannada, on March 21 wherein you have made a statement during your campaign that 'if Muslims do not stop violence, it will be difficult to celebrate Id-Milad," the EC pointed out.

It noted that the remarks violated the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act.

"The Commission has decided to afford you an opportunity to explain your stand why action should not be taken against you for the said violation of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and other laws made in this behalf," the EC said.