Chavan replies to EC letter, says he didn't pay for coverage

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has replied to the Election Commission notice, issued after complaints that he spent money on "paid news" for reports in his favour in local newspapers ahead of Assembly polls in the state.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has replied to the Election Commission notice, issued after complaints that he spent money on "paid news" for reports in his favour in local newspapers ahead of Assembly polls in the state.

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The Commission issued the letter to Chavan after BJP leaders complained that the Chief Minister spent money on "paid news" for newspaper coverage and that he did not account for this expenditure in his expenditure accounts.

The Commission had sought Chavan's reply by February 1.

In his reply submitted recently to the EC, the Chief Minister has denied allegations that he paid for the media coverage ahead of the polls, sources said.

Chavan had recently told a Press Council panel that his poll expenditure account was the subject matter of an election petition pending before the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court.

The Chief Minister, who was elected from Bhokar in Nanded district in the October 13, 2009 Assembly elections, pointed out to the EC that his election expenditure was approved by the District Election Officer.