The Election Commission on Monday issued notice to Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for his reportedly threatening remarks against the Mainpuri District Magistrate.
"The Commission considers such threats as obstacle in the conduct of free and fair elections, as such actions affect the morale of the district election machinery involved in the conduct of elections," it said in a statement in the Capital.
Mulayam Singh Yadav had targeted Mainpuri District Magistrate Ministhy Dileep, saying: "She (Ministhy) is a woman and that is why I am not making any comments on her. She should get her brain checked and should be aware of the fact that Mulayam is contesting from here (Mainpuri)."
The poll panel said it has given Mulayam Singh Yadav an opportunity to explain his remarks by April 3 and say why action should not be taken against him for threatening the district magistrate who is also returning officer.