Vijayvargiya defends himself, ready to work with 'norms of Election Commission'

Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who has been issued a notice by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct, has defended himself but said that he would work in accordance with the norms of the poll body.

Vijayvargiya said that he would reply to the Election Commission notice by Friday.

"I have not seen the notice. I will work in accordance with the norms of the Election Commission. I will speak to my lawyer and send a reply to the Election Commission by 5.00 pm October 18," he said.

Meanwhile, Indore District Collector Akash Tripathi said that the Election Commission has asked Vijayvargiya to reply by October 18.

"The Election Commission of India has issued a showcause notice to Industries Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kailash Vijayvargiya, for violating the model code of conduct and which has also been served to him. He has to reply to the Election Commission by October 18 at 5.00 p.m.," said Tripathi.

The Election Commission has in its notice said that Vijayvargiya's remarks have shown utter disrespect and disregard to the provision of the Model Code of Conduct. Vijayvargiya has been asked to explain by tomorrow as to why action should not be taken against him for his conduct.

According to reports, the Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister is said to have distributed money to drummers during Chunri Yatra on the 11th of this month and at a programme in Indore on Monday.

He is also alleged to have made contemptuous remarks against the Model Code of Conduct at the Chunri Yatra.

The Model Code of Conduct was in force in Madhya Pradesh since October 4, after the announcement of assembly polls in the five states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Mizoram.