Poll panel for action against MP minister

EC has ordered MP's chief electoral officer to file an FIR against tourism minister for obstructing Dewas Sub-Divisional Magistrate for intentionally insulting her, reports Rahul Noronha.

The Election Commission on Monday ordered the chief electoral officer of Madhya Pradesh to file an FIR against Tourism Minister Tukoji Rao Pawar for obstructing Dewas Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sanjana Jain from doing her official work and intentionally insulting her.

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The minister had on Saturday stormed into Jain’s office with BJP candidate from Sonkatch assembly seat Phoolchand Verma to protest the officer’s acceptance of Congress candidate Sajjan Singh Verma’s nomination beyond the prescribed time. Pawar was caught on camera throwing a paper at Jain in a fit of anger. The administration has in its possession a video recording of the meeting capturing the deliberations between Pawar and Jain and given as evidence.

The commission has also ordered the transfer of Dewas Collector and district returning officer Dr Navnit Mohan Kothari for the delay in reporting the incident to it. Kothari will also face departmental proceedings, sources said.

Furthermore, the commission has asked the state government to give a compliance report on the action taken in the FIR lodged against the minister by Jain by 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Pawar has represented Dewas for the last four terms.

The commission has also decided to give a letter of commendation to Jain for standing up to the minister.