Goa Polls: Shiv Sena hails Election Commission for issuing notice to Parrikar

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant on Tuesday hailed the Election Commission of India for issuing notice to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his 'cash for vote' remarks made at an election rally in Goa, and said the order should be respected as law is equal to all.

Citing the example of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for making a similar comment, Sawant told ANI that the law of the land is above all so, if this is applicable to Kejriwal this has to be applicable for Parrikar too.

"It is a good thing because recently Delhi Chief Minister had also made such a comment in Goa elections. When EC send the notice for Kejriwal so we cannot have different rules for different people. The law of the land is above all so if this is applicable to Kejriwal this has to be applicable for Parrikar too. We should respect the Elections Commission's order," he added.

Addressing supporters during a rally in North Goa on January 29, Parrikar had allegedly said in Konkani language, ".Now also someone will give you Rs 1,000. We give Rs 1,500 every month. After five years, 1,500 will become 90,000 and this will also increase." "Today, take from anyone Rs 2,000 and vote for them. There is no problem if somebody roams around by taking Rs 500 but just vote for the Lotus."

The EC took note of the remarks and issued him a notice for instigating the voters on February 2.

In his defence, Parrikar had claimed his speech was wrongly translated. However, the poll panel is not convinced by Parrikar's clarification and issued him another notice today.

In the notice, the EC also said that the CD of his speech was not doctored.

Parrikar was the second leader after AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, who was issued a notice, and censored, later for making similar remarks.

The complaint against Parrikar was filed by the Goa Forward Party.

Polling in Goa concluded on February 4.