Election Commission rejects Ashok Chavan's explanation on paid news complaint

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday rejected the explanation given by former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan in defence of the paid news allegations against him.

The Commission has also issued a showcause notice to him asking why he should not be disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP from Nanded.

"The commission hereby has decided that the respondent has failed to lodge his account of election expense in the manner required by the act and rules. The commission directs the respondents to show cause in terms of rule 89(5) of the 1961- rules why he should not be disqualified under section 10 (A) of the of the 1951 ACT. The respondent is detected to submit his representation if any to the commission within 20 days from the date of the receipt of this order," said the Commission in its notice.

Chavan has been accused of fudging poll expenses during the 2009 Maharastra Assembly Elections. On the directions of the Supreme Court, the EC had issued a notice to Chavan to appear before it.

Chavan has been given 20 days time to file his reply by the Election Commission.