EC slaps Cong with showcause

EC has issued showcause notice to Cong, seeking an explanation as to why the party's recognition should not be withdrawn or suspended.

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday issued a showcause notice to the Congress, seeking an explanation as to why the party's recognition should not be withdrawn or suspended.

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EC sources said the notice was issued after Congress leaders were found violating the code of conduct by using the Chhattisgarh government's aircraft and chopper after the poll schedule was announced on October 6.

The Congress leaders affected include party president Sonia Gandhi, Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi and Madhya Pradesh Speaker Sriniwas Tiwari.

However, the Congress denied the allegation about Sonia. “She has definitely not used any aircraft of the Chhattisgarh government since the model code of conduct came into force. On the contrary, she has been very correct in observing the code in her travel itinerary,” said a party spokesman.

The party is cross-checking the facts regarding Jogi and Tiwari.