EC expresses displeasure over Pawar's ink remark

The Election Commission has expressed displeasure over NCP chief Sharad Pawar asking voters to exercise franchise twice – once in Mumbai and then in Baramati.

The Election Commission has expressed displeasure over NCP chief Sharad Pawar asking voters to exercise franchise twice – once in Mumbai and then in Baramati.

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In an order issued on Tuesday evening, the commission said it conveys its displeasure to Sharad Pawar for making such a comment and expected him --- a senior politician and president of a national party --- to be more careful in future.

Read:Pawar asks workers to vote twice, EC steps in

Accepting his regret over the comments which Pawar claimed was made in jest, the commission said Pawar had violated the law which prescribes punishment for voting at more than one place. The Indian Penal Code prescribes up to six month of imprisonment for electoral offence of impersonation.

Pawar in his reply to the commission's notice had said that his speech at an election rally in Mumbai cannot be construed as amounting to abetting, procuring or attempting to procure votes by impersonation.

Read:NCP chief Pawar replies to EC notice on 'ink' remark